Four members of Schuylerville FFA traveled to the New York State Fairgrounds on Sunday, August 28 to compete in the New York State FFA Horse Evaluation Competition. For the second year in a row, Schuylerville won the competition and will be representing New York at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana in October!
Team Members
- Taylor Barraclough
- Brooke Schwerd
- Bailee Seymour
- Emily Tavares
“It is rare for a FFA Chapter to have nationally qualifying teams two years in a row, let alone in the same competition,” said FFA Advisor Mary-Elizabeth Foote. “Their accomplishment is a wonderful testament to the caliber of our Schuylerville students and the continued support of the agricultural community.”
The National FFA Horse Evaluation Career Development Event allows FFA members to gain new insights into equine science by evaluating and ranking horses based on breed characteristics, conformation and performance. Students defend their decisions through oral reasoning in front of a panel of judges. Additionally, they must solve problems related to everything from the nutrition and reproduction of horses to the tack/equipment and feed used to care for horses. Participants strengthen their leadership, observation, analysis, critical thinking and communication skills while also developing and exercising a competitive team spirit and building an awareness of career opportunities within the equine industry.