50th annual Louisiana 4-H, FFA horse show set for July 6-10 in Gonzales

By Myra Miller on Wednesday, June 12, 2019

By Richard Bogren
GONZALES — 4-H and FFA youth from throughout Louisiana will compete in the 50th annual LSU AgCenter 4-H and FFA State Horse Show on July 6-10 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.
The purpose of the horse program is to provide young people opportunities to participate in a series of activities designed to improve citizenship, sportsmanship, horsemanship, character, competitive spirit, discipline and responsibility, said AgCenter horse show manager Dwayne Nunez.
Horse show contestants can participate in riding events in the western division, hunter division, speed division and ranch division. In addition, 4-H youth will compete in public speaking, demonstrations, quiz bowl and horse judging, which provide an opportunity for youth to develop skills in communication, analytical thinking, character building and equine science, Nunez said.
“We strive to provide those opportunities by conducting a wide variety of activities and experiences that promote physical, mental and social development of young people,” Nunez said.
The program will add goat tying as a new event this year. Participants will ride down the arena, dismount their horse and tie the legs of a goat that is positioned at the other end of the arena, Nunez said.
Goat tying will be held on July 6. “It is a timed event, and the fastest time wins,” he said.
Horses are an important part of Louisiana agriculture, with the latest figures from the LSU AgCenter Ag Summary showing that the total impact of the industry to the state’s economy was about $373 million in 2017.
“What horses mean to the state goes well beyond dollars spent, however. Companion animals are a source of enjoyment for all ages,” said Bill Richardson, LSU vice president for agriculture and dean of the LSU College of Agriculture.
The Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor program is open to exhibitors in grades nine through 12 and includes a resume, written test, judging, skills test and an interview.
Contributing sponsors include Gerry Lane Enterprises, Sunshine Quality Solutions, Louisiana Equine Council and Louisiana Farm Bureau.
An awards banquet will be held at 6:30 p.m. on July 8.
For more information is available from Nunez at 225-578-2255 or dnunez@agcenter.lsu.edu.