Thirty-six Missouri 4-H youths got a firsthand look at careers in the equine industry during a tour across Kentucky, May 18–24. The tour featured hands-on learning, visits to leading farms and race tracks and conversations with industry professionals.
The tour began in Columbia with a visit to the University of Missouri Equine Teaching Facility. From there the group traveled west to Lexington, Ky., to embark on six full days of equine experiences, said Kelsey Fuller, MU Extension state 4-H agriculture educator.
Stops included seeing world-renowned stallions at Claiborne Farm, Gainesway and Ashford Stud; learning about college equine programs at Midway and University of Kentucky; visits to Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and Spy Coast Farm; and race tracks like Keeneland and Churchill Downs. Many youths noted meeting with Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo and trainer Cherie DeVaux as the highlight of their trip.
As part of the 2026 tour experience, a travel scholarship was made available through the generous support of the Oertle Family Foundation. Scholarship recipients include:
- Zoey Bloomberg, Callaway County
- Alayna Brosch, Pettis County
- Faith Engemann, Warren County
- Gentry Maasen, Lafayette County
- Isabella Meene, Lincoln County
- Brett Miller, Cass County
- Allie Moore, Linn County
- Raylynn Moore, Linn County
- Blake Steen, Osage County
- Maya Watson, Boone County
“The Missouri 4-H Equine Tour continues to be a transformative experience, equipping young leaders with the tools, inspiration, and connections to pursue their passions within the agricultural and equine industries,” Fuller said.
After the trip, most participants said they had a better understanding of career opportunities in the equine industry and were interested in exploring those paths further in the coming years. Many also shared how they plan to apply what they learned in their own communities. One youth explained, “I will use what I have learned to better the equine industry in Missouri by teaching others, offering tips to those in need, and putting my knowledge into practice in my day-to-day activities.”
Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners. Major support for Missouri 4-H Agriculture programs was provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with FCS Financial, MFA Foundation, Midwest Dairy Association, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, the Oertle Family Foundation, Eunice Campbell, and the Hertzog Family.
Source : missouri.edu