FAIRFIELD, Iowa — The Greater Jefferson County Fair continues to shine as a platform for youth talent and hard work. From horse arenas to public speaking stages and fashion runways, Jefferson County’s 4-H and FFA members demonstrated excellence across a variety of disciplines.
Halter Classes
- Pony Mares (35-56 inches): Wayne Wiley of Future Leaders took 1st place with entry #711.
- Pony Gelding (35-56 inches): Canaan Freeman earned 1st place with entry #87.
- Mares 8 Years and Above (Quarter Horse or Stock Type): Brooklyn Headley of Des Moines Ramblers secured the top spot with entry #646.
- All Other Breeds: Peyton Freeman claimed 1st with entry #750.
Horse Showmanship
- Senior Showmanship: John Miller of Future Leaders won 1st place with entry #1223.
- Intermediate Showmanship: Brooklyn Headley impressed judges again with entry #647.
- Junior Showmanship: Gabriella Diers from Walnut Ridge Workers earned 1st place with entry #1253.
Performance Division
- Driving – Pony Class: Peyton Freeman took 1st with entry #755.
- Trail – Intermediate: Peyton Freeman placed 1st again with entry #756.
- Trail – Junior: Gabriella Diers showed well with a 1st place finish using entry #1248.
Pleasure & Equitation
- Walk, Trot Pony Class: Peyton Freeman led the class with entry #752.
- Walk, Trot Horse Class: Kate Miller (Future Leaders) topped the class with entry #1212.
- Pony Pleasure (English or Western): Peyton Freeman placed 1st with entry #753.
- Western Pleasure: John Miller earned top honors with entry #1225.
- Ranch Horse Western Pleasure: Kate Miller took 1st place with entry #1213.
- Ranch Riding: Kate Miller won again with entry #1214.
- Horsemanship – Senior: John Miller topped the division with entry #1226.
- Horsemanship – Junior: Gabriella Diers won with entry #1246.
Speed Division
- Pole Bending (Trot): Gabriella Diers raced to 1st with entry #1249.
- Pole Bending: Kate Miller captured 1st with entry #1217.
- Barrels (Trot): Gabriella Diers claimed another win with entry #1250.
- Barrels: Kate Miller rounded the barrels fastest with entry #1218.
- Plug Race: Kate Miller also took 1st in this event with entry #1219.
- Flag Race: Kate Miller capped off a successful fair by winning 1st place with entry #1220.
Communication & Clothing Events
Outside the show ring, Jefferson County youth also impressed judges in communication and fashion-based events:
Educational Presentations
- Audrey Bailey (Ceniteers)
- Joey Roop (Packwood Trojans)
- Jordan Miller (Leading Hands)
- Mareyn Dunkin and Kinzley Dunkin (Future Leaders)
- Anna Hall and Brooklyn Ledger (Packwood Trojans)
All received blue ribbons for their informative and well-delivered presentations.
Working Exhibits
- Anna Hall (Packwood Trojans) earned a blue ribbon for her hands-on demonstration in this interactive event.
Clothing Events
- $20 Challenge: Emma Cass, Avery Wendland (Leading Hands), and Joseph Lanman (Packwood Trojans) all succeeded in styling fashionable, budget-conscious outfits, each earning blue ribbons.
- Clothing Selection: Ivy Mitchell (Packwood Trojans), Gabriella Diers (Walnut Ridge Workers), and Ruby Diers earned top marks and blue ribbons for their clothing choices and presentations.