MONROE CO., N.Y. — When people think about 4-H and horses, they usually think of fairs, and riding or showing events. It may surprise you to know that to participate in the Monroe County 4-H Horse Program you don’t need to own a horse, or even know how to ride one. You simply need a desire to learn more about the magnificent animals!
While riding may be one activity, the Monroe County 4-H Horse Program is also focused on educational events. 4-H members learn anatomy, breeds, equine science and care. With this knowledge, 4-H members participate in events designed to challenge their knowledge, communication and teamwork skills.
This spring, Monroe County 4-H Horse Program members participated in a regional horse event that included youth from nine Finger Lakes area counties. The event is called Horse Bowl and quick recall of horse facts makes it very exciting. Youth from Monroe County participated in the Regional Horse Event which Volunteer Niki Whilden, helped them prepare for.
Horse Bowl is a team endeavor run like a quiz show where contestants buzz in with the answers to horse-related questions. McKenzie Foster and Claire Bissi participated in the Novice Horse Bowl section as first time participants. Addie Whilden and Alexis Schwab participated in the Junior Horse Bowl Team portion for youth under 14 years of age. Rose Lanzatella was part of the Senior Division.
After participating at the regional event Whilden, Schwab, and Lanzatella received an invitation to take part in the event at the state level. The New York State Horse Bowl event was held on Saturday, April 9th at Cornell University. Rose Lanzatella and Alexis Schwab were able to attend and have a wonderful day with youth with similar interests while experiencing a college campus. Lanzatella received a 9th place individual placing and was part of the 3rd place team.
More information about the Monroe County 4-H Horse Program:
Members in the Monroe County 4-H Horse Program will develop life skills such as leadership, communication, friendship and responsibility.
Youth ages 5 through 18 may participate. Those members ages 5 to 7 will begin as part of the Cloverbud program.
4-H clubs are led by volunteers who schedule meetings and plan activities to suit the needs of their club members. Parents are encouraged to volunteer.
4-H believes in the power of young people. Every child has valuable strengths and the potential to influence the world. 4-H is America’s largest youth development organization, empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S. with the skills to lead for a lifetime.
Interested in joining or volunteering with 4-H? Contact monroe4H@cornell.edu or call (585) 753-2550.
Follow 4-H on Facebook (@4HMonroeCounty) & Instagram (@monroe4H).
The Monroe County 4-H Program is offered through Cornell Cooperative Extension to the youth of Monroe County. 4-H is a worldwide youth development program open to all youth aged 5-to-19, who want to have fun, learn new skills, and explore the world. In return, youth who participate in 4-H find a supportive environment and opportunities for hands-on or “experiential” learning about things that interest them.
Learn more at http://monroe.cce.cornell.edu/4-h-youth-development
–Cornell Cooperative Extension Monroe County