Young Leaders Shine in 2025 Thomas County Fair Round Robin Showmanship Competition

COLBY — The annual 4-H Round Robin Showmanship contest at the Thomas County Fair capped off the livestock exhibition week with excitement, competition, and celebration of skill across species. Onlookers filled the barns and arenas as top junior, intermediate, and senior 4-H showmen rotated through five different animal species—beef, sheep, goats, swine, and horses—demonstrating their adaptability and animal handling prowess.

Each participant began with the species they had qualified in through prior showmanship wins, then rotated every five minutes to a new species. They handled animals owned by their fellow competitors, judged by experts in each field who evaluated everything from posture and poise to technical skill and confidence.

“This event is a reward for excelling in your species,” noted one fairgoer, capturing the sentiment of many in the barns. “It really shows who understands showmanship across the board.”

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Judges, including Kirsten Niesler (beef), Hannah Paul Sniska (sheep), Jerry Schonfeld (goats), Lizzie White (horses), and Elby from Greensburg (swine), offered detailed feedback. Common themes included the importance of confidence, composure, and preparation.

“I was thoroughly impressed,” said Niesler. “Even if you’re unsure, act like you belong in that ring.”

Sniska echoed that sentiment, praising the intensity and polish of the competitors. “Some of you sheep handlers nearly stared into my soul—great job!” she joked, encouraging participants to maintain distance in tight arenas for better judging angles.

Schönfeld reminded competitors of the value of learning from peers: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’ll grow by helping and being helped.”

Lizzie White, a returning horse judge, emphasized the importance of species-specific showmanship. “Remember, showing a horse isn’t the same as showing a steer,” she quipped with a smile.

The highly anticipated awards ceremony revealed strong performances across all age divisions. Junior Grand Champion was Maclyn Carpenter with 450 points, edging out Reserve Champion Brooklyn Reed (436). Cody placed third after a tie-breaker with Owen Baird, both scoring 434. The junior top eight also included Riley Masinek, Adeline Cameron, Cole Carpenter, and Quindenie.

In the intermediate division, Laken Felhalter took Grand Champion with 457 points, just two ahead of Reserve Champion Briar Reed. Others placing were Sophia Stramel, Brody Reed, Court Stramel, DeWann Curry, Cooper Carpenter, Morgan Maddox, and Jackson Baird.

For seniors, it was Leah Felhalter who rose to the top, claiming Grand Champion honors with 483 points. Kimberg Carpenter followed closely for Reserve with 476. Rounding out the senior rankings were Lucille Felhalter, Cruz Denny, Tinsley Wool, Colby Chris Howlett, and Stación Rogers.

Each champion was awarded a $100 cash prize courtesy of Dr. Candy Taylor, the veterinarian who performed livestock health checks earlier in the week. Additionally, winners received rosettes and custom buckles sponsored by community supporters.

As the Round Robin concluded, applause and smiles filled the barns—a celebration not only of competition, but of hard work, teamwork, and the 4-H spirit.