Fry earns state championship in 4-H horse presentation

By Melinda Lucas

Shackelford County 4-H members earned top honors at the 2025 State 4-H Roundup and District 7 Horse Show this June, with standout performances in both horse judging and equestrian events.

“Our senior horse judging team competed at State 4-H Roundup June 4. I am so proud of these ladies!” said Shackelford County Extension Agent Kelsey Bell. “Grace Fry, Bradee Stautzenberger, and Madailein Beard made up our team this year. Grace came away with 2nd place in Reasons!”

Fry also claimed the title of State Champion for her Horse Educational Presentation. 

“I’m so proud of her!” Bell said. “As hard as she works, she deserves to win it all.”

At the District 7 Horse Show, local competitors collected a long list of placements.

In the Futurity Division, Stautzenberger earned second in yearling halter gelding and lunge line and placed fourth in showmanship. Artie Bell took first in yearling halter gelding and third in lunge line. Beard won both 4 and under gelding and 3-year-old reining.

Stock Horse Division competitor Ayers Bezner placed second in reining and also competed in three additional events.

In Speed Events, Beard placed third in stakes and fourth in barrels. Reese Nitschke won first in barrels, while Rainy Nitschke placed fifth in barrels and sixth in poles. Baigh Bell earned fifth in poles, and Artie Bell also competed in multiple speed events.

Fry and Beard  submitted entries to the State 4-H Photography Contest, with all entries earning either blue (highest) or red (second highest) quality awards.