(Cedar Rapids, Iowa; by an FFA Reporter) – The Atlantic FFA Chapter competed in the annual Iowa FFA Horse Judging Career Development Event held at Kirkwood Community College on June 10, 2025. Atlantic FFA had a team and individual that participated in this year’s Career Development Event. Team members Kayedance Sturm, Clara Kennedy, Callie Rudy and Paislee Klever earned a silver medal.

The Horse Judging CDE is designed to provide the student an opportunity to display their agricultural knowledge and skills in the area of Equine Science. Each team member evaluated halter and performance classes. They also answered questions over the classes and gave oral reasons to explain their placings. A written examination was included along with a team problem solving competition.

In the Halter division, Kayedance placed second overall while the team placed 3rd overall. Sturm said, “Every year horse judging at Kirkwood College has been an amazing team building experience the night before going to eat, to going to the contest. I can’t wait to see what next year’s results hold for us.”

(From left-to-right): Kayedance Sturm, Clara Kennedy, Paislee Klever, Callie Rudy. (photo submitted)

Team member Clara Kennedy said “Aside from our pre judging nerves we have become more confident and grown as a team. We always make the most of our trip, from the night before, the drive there and back, to the actual reason we are there, for the contest. It will be exciting to see how our team continues to progress in the upcoming year.”

Callie Rudy said, “With the team being very young, it was a lot of fun. You can tell throughout the team that we have improved and that we genuinely love to do it. Always having fun the night before whether we go shopping or are hanging out in each other’s rooms it is always a blast with the team. The contest may be challenging, but it is a good experience for everyone.”

Paislee Klever said, Horse judging is a very fun experience I think everyone should try. The pre contest nerves are always the worst but not only the contest but being with your teammates, going shopping, having supper and just bonding was so fun. The contest might come across hard to others and it can be but that’s why we work for it, and we will get better as the years go on.”

The Iowa FFA Horse Career Development Event was made possible with support through the Iowa FFA Foundation Gold Standard Partners. The Horse Career Development Event was coordinated and held at the Iowa Equestrian Center in Cedar Rapids. Kirkwood Community College also provided lunch to all participants.