Six 4-H youth from Becker County participated in the Minnesota 4-H State Horse show Sept. 15-18.

“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 Becker County 4-H Horse State Team, consisting of a team of 6 riders: Bayleigh Johnson, Hadley Mack, Stephen Splonskowski, Ellianna Cymbaluk, Francesca Splonskowski, and Julia Teiken.

The 4-H’ers demonstrated 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.

The following youth placed 10th or better in their class:

Ellianna Cymbaluk, 

Independent – Becker County

1 Horse / English / Horse – Hunt Seat Pleasure, Grade 13

1 Horse / English / Horse – Hunt Seat Pleasure, Grade 13,1 Horse / Showmanship at Halter / Horse

2 Horse / English / Horse – Hunt Seat Equitation, Grade 13

2 Horse / Trail Class / Horse – Trail Class, Grades 12+

2 Horse / Western / Y008003: Horse – Western Pleasure, Grade 13

Julie Teiken, 

Independent – Becker County

4 Horse / English / Horse – Hunt Seat Equitation, Grade 13

Hadley Mack – Happy Hillside

5 Horse / Trail Class / Horse – Trail Class, Grades 8-9

7 Horse / English / Horse – Hunt Seat Pleasure, Grade 9

8 Horse / English / Horse – Hunt Seat Equitation, Grade 9 

9 Horse / Showmanship at Halter / Horse – Showmanship – Western, Grade 9

To learn more about Becker County 4-H, contact 4-H Educator Elliott Lawrence at lawre735@umn.edu or 218-846-7328 x7103 and visit the website, https://extension.umn.edu/becker