Putnam judging team wins honors

Members of the Putnam County Horse and Pony Judging Team that competed recently at the Youth Paint World National Competition in Fort Worth, Texas, are (from left) Lauren Gutschlag, assistant coach My Gilley, Emily Gilley, Lisa Pitts, Bailey Goff and Jared James.

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Members of the Putnam County 4-H Horse and Pony Judging Team recently participated in the American Junior Paint Horse Association World Show Judging Competition in Fort Worth, Texas.

Team members competing at the June 24 event were Bailey Goff, Emily Gilley, Jared James and Lauren Gutschlag.

The team earned honors in various categories of the competition, including fifth place in halter, sixth in the performance class and eighth in reasons.

Those scores combined to give the team a seventh-place overall ranking in the competition that included teams from all across the country.

Additionally, James earned fourth place individually in halter, 10th in reasons and sixth place overall.

"Preparing for competition is a very intensive process of practices that take place on a weekly basis for months," team coach Lisa Pitts said. "Our group is made up of many talented, hard-working individuals who make the entire process fun. We (assistant My Gilley and Pitts) couldn't be more proud of their efforts and accomplishments."

They said the group worked very hard not only to prepare for the contest but also to raise funds to pay for the trip by setting barrels at horse shows into the early hours of the morning and selling pizzas.

The team also received some donations to help with funding the trip. The generous local individuals and business include: Brian Pell, Kathy Henke, Co-Alliance, Farm Credit Services, Gilley's Welding and Repair, HMSB Insurance, Headley Hardware and York Automotive.