The 2018 University of Nebraska- Lincoln Horse Judging Team had a successful year competing across the nation. This year’s team included Valerie Skaalrud of White Bear Lake, MN, Ryan Sedlacek of Gretna, NE and Devin Jakub from Dwight, NE coached by Dr. Kathy Anderson and assistant coach Haylee Lavoie, graduate student from Riverton, WY.
A variety of contests allowed this year’s team to see a large diversity of the equine industry and meet professionals all over the world. The 2018 team competed in three competitions with the highlight of the season at the National Reining Horse Association Intercollegiate Horse Judging Contest in Oklahoma City, OK. The team finished 10th overall even with the disadvantage of only having a three-member team. Valerie Skaalrud finished 6th overall at the NRHA with all team members placing in the top 20.
The team also competed in Columbus, OH for the All American Quarter Horse Congress Intercollegiate contest. Devin Jakub finished 8th overall in the limited division with 14 teams competing. After a great contest in Ohio at the largest single breed horse show in the world, UNL continued to the 2018 AQHA World Championship Intercollegiate Horse Judging Contest. The AQHA contest was held on November 13th in Oklahoma City, OK with 110 individuals and 16 senior college teams competing for the World title.
Some of this year’s team members were fortunate enough to compete in the limited division so they can compete as a team in the senior division to represent University of Nebraska-Lincoln next year. Next year’s season looks to be promising with a new and upcoming team beginning this spring to represent the great state of Nebraska. University of Nebraska Lincoln’s horse judging team would like to the Department of Animal Science for their support through another year to participate and learn about the equine industry!