4-H youth from Becker County participated in the Minnesota 4-H State Horse show from Sept. 5-9 and Sept. 13-14. This year, over 645 youth from across the state participated in the annual event. 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, miniature horse and drill team skills along with all of the competitive horse riding events.

Youth who participate in the Minnesota 4-H Horse Project learn about show and trail; 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:

4-H’ers placing in top 10 or higher:

Hadley Mack – Independent 4-H (11th Grade)

1st Barrels

4th Key Race

Other participants include

Francesca Splonskowski – Busy Bees 4-H (10th Grade) – Games participant

Amber Trautman – Burlington Cubs (10th Grade) – 3rd place

To learn more about Minnesota 4-H Horse Project, contact local extension educator, Elliott Lawrence at (218) 846-7328 (Ext 7103) and visit the website https://z.umn.edu/4HHorseProject

About Extension 4-H: 

4-H is a youth development program of the University of Minnesota Extension. Available for youth grades K-1 year after high school, 4-H’ers participate in hands-on learning experiences in STEM, citizenship and leadership, animal science, creative arts and much more. Through this learn-by-doing process, youth obtain essential life skills such as problem solving, decision making, coping and communicating that help them succeed in their school, college, community and career. Research shows that youth who participate in 4-H have better grades and are more emotionally engaged with school, are more than twice as likely to be civically active and contribute to their communities and are 47% less likely to have risky or problem behaviors.