Heather Haines, 4-H Agent, UGA Extension Forsyth County
Georgia 4-H recently hosted the State 4-H Horse Show at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, where young equestrians from across the state showcased their skills in various equestrian disciplines. Among the standout participants were Forsyth County youths Timothy Laszlo and Dustin Thomas, who, along with certified volunteer leader Lynn Brecht, represented their county with distinction.
The State 4-H Horse Show, held from May 31 to June 3, offered classes in five divisions: Stock Seat (Western), Ranch Horse (Western), Hunt Seat (English), Saddle Seat (English), and Contest Events (Running). These classes were divided into three age groups: Cloverleaf, Junior, and Senior. Competitors vied for top honors in their respective categories, with champions and reserve champions named in each division and age group.
Timothy Laszlo, competing in the Junior Division, delivered a series of strong performances with his horse, Rosie the Riveter. Timothy placed 7th in the Junior Western Showmanship In-Hand Division, 9th in Junior Western Pleasure, 5th in Junior Western Showmanship, 2nd in Junior Trail, 6th in Junior Ground Handling, 5th in Junior Ranch Trail, 6th in Junior Ranch Pleasure, and 5th in Junior Ranch Reining. His consistent excellence across these events earned him 4th overall in Stockhorse and 7th overall in Ranch Horse in the Junior Division.
Dustin Thomas, competing in the Senior Division with his horse Jasmin, also achieved impressive results. He placed 5th in the Senior Western Showmanship In-Hand Division, 8th in Senior Western Pleasure, and 8th in Senior Western Horsemanship within the Stock Seat Division. Dustin’s strong showing earned him 8th overall in the Stock Seat Division.
Their numerous top-ten finishes secured them the honor of advancing to the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships, held from July 31 to August 4. Timothy, in particular, was thrilled to qualify for the Southern Regionals, as this was his first year of eligibility. At the Regionals, Timothy placed 7th out of 69 competitors in Ranch Trail, navigating what many described as the “coolest trail pattern” they’d ever seen. He also achieved 10th overall out of 33 participants in Working Cowhorse (Cow Boxing), an impressive feat given it was his and Rosie’s first time competing in front of a cow. Dustin also had an outstanding experience at the Regionals, competing in Stockhorse Mares and Ground Handling.
Forsyth County 4-H is immensely proud of these young equestrians and their dedication throughout the year. Their success is a testament to their hard work, responsibility, and passion for the sport.