Aug 29, 2024
The Ogden FFA Chapter was named the Champion Team in the annual Iowa FFA Horse Career Development Event held at Kirkwood Community College on June 11, 2024. Members of the first place team included: Rylee Ferwerda, Anna Wilson, Lydia Longhorn, and Brylie Hicks. Their agriculture education instructors and FFA advisors are Mrs. Katelyn Grein and Ms. Rachel Reicks. The Maquoketa Valley FFA Chapter at Delhi was named the Reserve Champion Team. Members of the second place team included: Kayla Hoeger, Lacy Reth, and Tracy Reth. Their agriculture education instructor and FFA advisor is Ms. Haylee Lau. Rylee Ferwerda, Ogden FFA Chapter, was named the High Individual Overall in the competition.
FFA teams from 33 chapters participated in this year’s Career Development Event designed to provide the student an opportunity to display their agricultural knowledge and skills in the area of Equine Science. The 102 individual contestants evaluated halter and performance classes. They also answered questions over the classes and gave oral reasons to explain their placings. A written examination was included along with a team problem solving competition.
Riley Benda ’27, AJ Moore ’25, and Izabelle Patterson ’28 of the Central Trail FFA also made a great showing at the Iowa FFA Horse CDE, as they competed against 102 FFA Members from 32 teams. They were the 15th place team, receiving a Silver Rating! Riley Benda was the 15th place individual in the competition! As a team they showed excellence in Reasons, placing 11th high team and also stood out in tack ID and problem solving as they were the 12th place team overall.
The Iowa FFA Horse Career Development Event was made possible with support through the Iowa FFA Foundation Gold Standard Partners. The Horse Career Development Event was coordinated and held at the Iowa Equestrian Center in Cedar Rapids. Kirkwood Community College also provided lunch to all participants. The official judge was Mary Pohlmann from Truro.