Edison FFA places fifth in national Arabian horse judging contest

The Edison High School FFA earned fifth-place honors during the 55th annual National Arabian Horse Association judging contest held recently in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

Four Edison students attended the Oct. 24–25 event, which included 22 teams and 100 individuals from across the country. Sponsored by the National Arabian Horse Federation, the competition required students to evaluate horses and present oral reasons for their judging. 

The team of Micah Larkins, Maddie Granatir, Mimi Ault and Leila Sudvary placed fifth in the performance class, with Granatir also earning 10th place individually. 

“The team evaluated 10 different classes of Arabian horses and gave oral reasons for four classes,” said FFA advisor Kelli Pridemore, adding that the team was coached by former advisor Chuck Cline. 

The students qualified for the national contest after placing sixth in the Ohio FFA Equine Contest last spring. While in Oklahoma, they toured local attractions, including an aquarium and the Philbrook Museum of Art. Pridemore said the students were thrilled to compete and grateful for the experience. 

“The students were excited to attend and demonstrate their equine knowledge,” she said. 

The Edison FFA, which has more than 100 members, is preparing for upcoming competitions, including job interviews and parliamentary procedure contests. The chapter’s annual fall fundraiser is wrapping up, with items scheduled for delivery in mid-December.