ALBANY — New York State was represented well at the Eastern National 4-H Roundup, held in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in Louisville, Kentucky.
Fifteen members from across the state converged on Kentucky to participate in the four Educational Equine Events – Horse Bowl, Horse Judging, Horse Communications and Hippology. Perhaps the high light was not competition day, but was the day before spent in and around Lexington. The New York delegation went to the Kentucky Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center (KESMARC), Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Kentucky Horse Park and Keeneland. Members were able to explore careers and businesses pivotal to the Equine Industry, the majority of which were STEM related.
The NYS Horse Communications Team – Reserve Champion Award Presentation. Left to right – Brigham Logue of Rensselaer County, Annie Born, Laura Bagley both of Oneida County and Carissa Hilsher of Allegany County. (Courtesy Photo)Contest day was busy from start to finish and loaded with meeting new people, new things learned and team work. The Hippology Team coached by Donna Walker and comprised of Sophie Norton, Ariana Thomas, Katie Widmer and Katelyn Schlager placed first as a team for stations, 6th for written test and 7th for team problem. Overall the Hippology team placed 5th and Katelyn Schlager placed 9th individually. The Horse Bowl Team coached by Ann Janson placed 3rd overall with the following members, Caitlin O’Leary, Lydia Visser, Ella Bohn and Lauren McCarthy. Lydia Visser and Lauren McCarthy placed 3rd and 7th respectively individually. Ashley Randall, Emma Smith and Alyssa Buck were members of the Horse Judging Team coached by Colleen Wersinger. They had a good showing and individually had placings in the top 15 for conformation and performance classes. The members of the Horse Communications Team all placed in the top 10 in their respective divisions. The Horse Communications Team was coached by Sarah Bagley. Carissa Hilsher placed 10th as the team’s Public Speaker. Team presenters Annie Born and Laura Bagley of Yates County placed 3rd and Brigham Logue placed 5th as the Individual Presenter. As a result, the New York State Horse Communications Team place 2nd overall and brought home silver plates declaring them the Reserve Champion Horse Communications Team.
A hearty thanks goes out to all the New York State Coaches, the New York State 4-H Program, volunteers, parents and local supporters. If you have any questions about this or other 4-H Youth Development Programs, contact your respective Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) office.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.
–Cornell Cooperative Extension Rensselaer County
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