The Atlantic FFA Chapter was named the Reserve Champion Team, Monday, in the annual Iowa FFA Horse Career Development Event held at Prairie Rose Arena. FFA Advisor and Ag Education Instructor Eric Miller said the Atlantic FFA Chapter team included: Craig Becker, Carli Henderson, Taylor McCreedy, and Aspen Niklasen. Miller said team member Taylor McCreedy placed 4th, Craig Alan Becker placed 7th, Carli Henderson placed 13th and Aspen Niklasen placed 21st overall in the individual contest.

Left to right: Craig Alan Becker, Taylor McCreedy, Aspen Niklasen, Carli Henderson. (Photo submitted)

Craig Alan Becker said, “I really enjoyed the opportunity to go to a contest with some other members of our chapter. As a team, we were really happy with our results from the day. I also really appreciate the effort made by the FFA association to make sure we could make this day possible”

The team also took home 1st place in the Reasons and Questions class with McCreedy placing as the top individual for the day. “It was a great experience and I’m thankful we had the opportunity to compete. McCreedy said, earning a runner up team finish was awesome and shows we’ve worked hard to compete with the best FFA teams in the state.”

FFA teams from 10 chapters participated in this year’s Career Development Event designed to provide the student an opportunity to display their agricultural knowledge and skills in the area of Equine Science. The 38 individual contestants 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.

The Iowa FFA Horse Career Development Event was made possible with support from Farm Credit Services of America through the Iowa FFA Foundation. The Horse Career Development Event was coordinated and held at the Prairie Rose Arena in Elkhart, Iowa. The official judge was Sierra Hagedon of Marshalltown, Iowa. She was assisted in reasons taking by Shianne Votora, Camryn Norton and Sierra McCullough. Horses were provided by Kyle DeFreece Show Horses, Hockenson Quarter Horses and Terra Gait Stables.