Madison Crowe pictured with her horse "Tank". (Photo courtesy of Madison Crowe)
By GAGE WILSON
Glasgow News 1
Madison Crowe was crowned state champion in “Equine Production-Placement Proficiency” during the 94th Future Farmers of America State Convention last week at Rupp Arena in Lexington.
The recent Barren County High School graduate started in FFA when she was in the eighth grade. Her win there propels her to compete at the national convention.
“Since I was little, my parents and grandparents owned a lot of horses and I always loved working with them,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed the experience, so while winning wasn’t everything, it’s really great to be recognized for all the work that goes into my animals.”
Crowe has participated in regional competition since her sophomore year and participated on a state level since her junior year.
For her supervised agricultural experience, she maintained her horses welfare while also exhibiting skills that involved riding in certain patterns around an obstacle course, being judged not just on completion time, but also on her technique.
Crowe is mentored by A.J. Mitchell, an advisor with the FFA.
“A.J. has been with me every step of the way and I couldn’t ask for a better mentor,” Crowe said. “He makes sure that all the decisions I make are mine, but he’s always there to guide me without giving up my sense of ownership.”
Crowe now waits on her application to be reviewed to compete on a national level. Her plans for the future involve attending Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College where she plans on furthering her agriculture career, with plans of becoming an equine chiropractor.
Barren County members joining Crowe were also presented with State FFA Degrees, the highest degree the state awards to members. The recipients are Mary Schalk, Jace Newton, Jolea Minix, and Kaylee White. Each member is also responsible for the Barren County Chapter being awarded a “Gold Emblem Rating,” the highest commendation given to a chapter by the state with Barren County’s FFA chapter receiving distinguished honors since 1974.
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