Cymbaluk takes first in four events at state contest

Seven 4-H youth from Becker County participated in the Minnesota 4-H State Horse show Sept. 16-19, 2022. This year, 591 youth from across the state participated in the annual event at the Minnesota State Fair.  4-H’ers demonstrate their skills and knowledge in hippology (showing knowledge and understanding of equine science and husbandry), horse judging (study of an animal, measuring it against an accepted ideal), horse training and achievement, speech and demonstrations about interest in horses or the horse industry, showmanship and drill team skills. 

Youth who participate in the Minnesota 4-H Horse Project learn about show, trail, and endurance riding; test their horse knowledge at quiz bowls or on judging teams, and study horse science. Youth may participate if they own or lease a horse. There are even options for youth who are interested in horses, but don’t have access to one in their community.

“Through the Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show, youth build communications skills, gain deeper learning and interest in horses, and build relationships with caring adults,” said Renee Kostick, Extension Educator who manages the 4-H horse project in Minnesota. “These experiences contribute to their success in school, community, and futures.”

The following youth were members of the Becker County delegation:

Ellianna Cymbaluk – Independent 4-H (12th Grade)

1st Western Showmanship

1st Western Pleasure

1st Western Horsemanship

1st English Pleasure

3rd English Equitation

Victoria Johnson – 

Independent 4-H  

(13th Grade)

7th Barrels

Hadley Mack – Happy Hillside 4-H  (8th Grade) 2nd Trail

2nd Western Pleasure

3rd  Western Horsemanship

5th  Western Showmanship

7th  English Pleasure

8th  English Equitation

Claire Splonskowski – Busy Bees 4-H 

(13th Grade)

5th Horse Training Step 1

Julia Teiken – 

Independent  

(12th Grade) 3rd Western Pleasure

4th English Pleasure

4th English Equitation

6th Western Showmanship

6th Western Horsemanship

10th Trail

Other State Horse Show Participants included: Stephen Splonskowski (10th Grade) from Busy Bees 4-H and Jenna Tollefson (13th Grade) from Independent 4-H.