Four members of the Red Level 4-H Club in Crystal River are heading to a regional horse competition in Perry, Georgia, starting July 29, after earning top finishes at the Florida 4-H State Horse Show in Tampa from July 9-11. The young riders, ranging in age from 11 to 17, competed in events including pole bending, barrel racing, stake racing, Western showmanship, and the uniquely demanding sport of goat tying.
Leading the junior division was Hayden Hinojos, 11, who was one of only 10 junior competitors statewide to advance to the regional level. Hinojos earned first place in pole bending, first in stake racing, and second in barrel racing at the state competition. Three senior-level riders also advanced to the regional meet, where roughly 70 state senior winners will compete: Gabriella Lazoff, 14; Trevor Hessinger, 15; and Shayna Collins, 17.
At the state show, Hessinger posted strong results across multiple events, winning first place for Western showmanship, fourth for stock-type mare over 14 feet 2 inches, sixth for Western trail, and 10th for Western pleasure. Lazoff had an equally impressive showing, finishing second in roping, second in speed ground handling, third in working cow horse, third in keyhole, sixth in pole bending, 10th in ranch trail, and 10th in stake racing.
For those unfamiliar with goat tying, the event requires riders to race toward a goat on horseback, dismount, flip the goat, tie three of its legs together, and then wait 30 seconds to confirm the animal stays secured. The discipline demands speed, coordination, and horsemanship all at once. The four Crystal River riders and their horse Phoenix, age 20, are hoping their state-level momentum carries them to more wins at the 4-H regional competition in Perry, Georgia. More information about Florida 4-H programs can be found through the Florida 4-H organization and coverage of the state results was first reported by the Citrus County Chronicle.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
