Nationals Experience Helps Teen Gain Confidence
by Chelsea Greer, Snohomish County 4-H Judging Team
Going to Nationals in Kentucky was fantastic! It was one of the best experiences of my life. Not only did it help me to grow in my knowledge of judging, it also helped me gain confidence in my ability. I had never judged at a big competition like that so everything was all new to me and a little scary. They separated each member of the team into sections of one, two, three, and four. Then we went to judge our classes. We had four halter classes. I think my favorite halter class to judge was the one of quarter horse geldings. After we judged halter it was time for performance classes. All together we judged eight classes. As soon as we were finished placing the classes, they explained which classes we were to give our oral reasons on and led us to the next stage of the competition. Before we got started on our oral reasons, we ate lunch and had a chance to prepare for our first set. The way oral reasons are set up at nationals is they give you each a number and when the number before you gets back it’s your turn to go. I have to admit that this was the more stressful part of the day for me. Although I found myself relaxing more for each set and just enjoying the opportunity. I was kind of sad when it all came to an end. I had made it through nationals and done my best. Now we just had to see what the tomorrow and the awards ceremony would bring.
The awards ceremony was lovely. They had a buffet breakfast for us and everything was delightful. They went over each part of the competition and their awards. They went over judging last. Our team came in twelfth over all and we placed ninth as a team in halter placings! I can’t express how much this opportunity meant to me to be able to be on the team and come to Kentucky to judge. The whole trip taught me a lot and I will never forget it. I can’t wait to share all the knowledge that I have gained. I am happy that I was blessed to be able to come!
posted Spring 2009