Winners of the National FFA Horse Evaluation Career Development Event (CDE) were announced at the annual awards banquet on Friday, October 31, in conjunction with the 87th Annual National FFA Convention & Expo in Louisville, Kentucky. Claremore, who was representing the state of Oklahoma, was among the 46 state teams competing for the National Title.
Lori Cohen, Mattison Lemmons, Taylor Stephens and Patrick Vinson of the Claremore FFA Chapter represented Oklahoma at the National FFA Horse Evaluation CDE. The team received fourth in the nation, which is consider a gold emblem team. Lemmons placed as the Reserve National Champion, and Vinson placed as the 12th high individual. Each of the four Claremore students was deemed a Gold Emblem Individual for placing in the top 20 percent of all participants.
The National FFA Horse Evaluation CDE tests the students’ ability to select and evaluate high quality equine. The event includes eight selection classes containing four halter classes and four performance classes. Competitors also give four sets of oral reason with two sets coming from each evaluation category. Each team then worked together to complete practical activities, which included proper feed selection, female and male equine reproductive anatomy and equipment, proper medical selection and techniques, performing an equine wellness examination and completing a team presentation on vesicular stomatitis.
The event was held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. It’s one of the many educational activities at the national convention in which FFA members apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations.
By placing in the Top Five in the nation, Claremore FFA has earned an invitation to judge at the International Equestrian Expo in Dublin, Ireland, June 24 – July 2, 2015. In addition to judging, participants will tour equine facilities and interact with equine leaders in Ireland. They will also tour local attractions such as Trinity College. The Claremore FFA chapter is working to secure donations to make this dream a reality.
About National FFA Organization
The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more information, visit the National FFA Organization online at www.ffa.org, Facebook, Twitter and the official National FFA Organization blog.
