4-H riders continue to win, place and show
The Crenshaw County 4-H Trailblazers Horse Club continues to impress as they go from strength to strength in their growing knowledge and expertise involving all things equestrian.
This group of talented youth has, once again, taken the 4-H State Equestrian Competition by storm, winning several events at the State Championship Horse Show, the Passive (Art) Competition, and the Active Educational Competitions of 2021.
While all of the official results of the state horse show have yet to be released to the county extension agents, the Educational results have been released and placement is as follows for the Crenshaw competitors:
Public Speaking, Junior Division: Lucas Simmons, 3rd place; Senior Division: Anna Kate Foster, first place; Individual Presentation, Senior Division: Vanessa Simmons, 1st place; Team Presentation: Team 2 (Anna Kate Foster and Trilby Jones), 1st place, and Team 1 (Vanessa Simmons and Georgia-Lynn Lowe), 2nd place; Horse Judging, Junior Division: Trilby Jones, 2nd place and Georgia-Lynn Lowe, 5th place; Horse Judging, Senior Division: Vanessa Simmons, 1st place, Emma Foster, 2nd place and Anna Kate Foster, 3rd place; Hippology, Junior Division: Trilby Jones, 1st place; Georgia-Lynn Lowe, 3rd place and Emalyn Brannon, 6th place; Hippology, Senior Division: Emma Foster, 1st place, Anna Kate Foster , 2nd place and Vanessa Simmons, 3rd place. The Trailblazers took first place in both the junior and senior divisions of the Quiz Bowl at State.
“Several of the team members will be heading to the 2021 Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championship Show later this Summer, and needless to say, they are extremely excited,” says proud Trailblazer parent and supporter Laura Simmons of Avalon Acres Farm.
The team members, now divided into Junior and Senior divisions, have proven their dedication to this sport by spending innumerable hours both in the saddle and studying their materials. “They are involved in many other activities outside of 4-H, including showing in Alabama Open Horseman’s Association shows,” Simmons said.
Many only know the Trailblazers as “ the team.” Here are each of the individual members and a little “bio” of their activities and accomplishments:
Emma Foster — Highland Home School, Alabama High School Rodeo, volleyball, track, basketball, color guard, FBLA, Honor Roll
Vanessa Simmons — Junior intern with DVM Brittney Reynolds, cosplay/ren faire costumer, 4-H State Senior All-Around Champion, Palomino Horse Breeders Association National Director, Alabama PHBA Youth Board Member
Madison White — Highland Home School, Alabama High School Rodeo, Color Guard, 2020 Little Boots Rodeo Queen
Anna Kate Foster — Highland Home School, FBLA, marching band, track, honor roll, Alabama PHBA Youth Board Member
Lucas Simmons — WWII/Military guru, nerf gun master
Georgia-Lynn Lowe — Fort Dale Academy, Gaited horse aficionado, twirling team
Trilby Jones — Crenshaw Christian Academy, twirling team, shows chickens with 4-H, “A” Honor Roll
Spencer Foster — Junior High School Rodeo, National Qualifier-light rifle competition
Wyatt Lowe – Handy helper in his daddy’s mechanic shop,
Emalyn Brannon — Brantley High School, marching band (alto saxophone), Conecuh River kayaker, artist, Honor Roll, avid reader
There are also some up-and-coming members who attend meetings and practice, but are not yet old enough to compete in 4-H: Zack Foster, HHS; Temply Jones, CCA and Addison Beasock, New Brockton Elementary.
The Crenshaw County Trailblazers would like to commend all other competitors on a “job well done,” with a special congratulations to Maya Schaffer of the Montgomery County Mustangs on her win of the 4-H Junior All-Around Championship.
“This would never be possible without the support of family, friends, trainers, and our community. On behalf of the Trailblazers, we send out a big ‘thank you’ to all of the people who help make this team as successful as possible,” Simmons said. (sematext.com) “Keep believing in us and supporting us along the way.”