RENSSELAER CO., N.Y. — With the cancellation of the Great Schaghticoke Fair due to the pandemic, Rensselaer County 4-H was able to offer Rensselaer County Centennial 4-H Animal Shows in a socially distant format as a replacement to the Schaghticoke Fair. With the celebration of 100 years of 4-H in Rensselaer County, it was logical to initiate our non spectator show series. A heartfelt thank you to the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds for supporting this effort and the many volunteers and participants that did what we needed, to be in compliance with COVID-19 Guidance.
One of these Animal Shows was a Horse Show. Youth participated in a number of events during this two day show from virtual written exams to gymkhana and jumping classes. A huge thank you to our 4-H Centennial Horse Show Chair Charlie Anne Huffam who along with an amazing team of volunteers made the show a great experience for our youth. Thank you to our judges as well Larry Sorrell, Jennifer Wilda and Karry Brothers. Additionally, a thank you to Stewarts Shops Corp for sponsoring this event through providing gift certificates and ribbons to our members and our many other sponsors for our show which made this event shine brighter during this pandemic. Congratulations goes out to all our 4-H horse participants and special recognition to our following members and their horses:
Novice Champion Kimberwicke Memorial – Allie Manchester of Stephentown and Do Mr Bar Fly
Novice Reserve Champion – Chloe Bentzen of Greenwich and Misty
Champion Showmanship Michael Gagliardi Memorial – Grace Huffam of Troy and Feelin the Burn
Reserve Champion Showmanship – Lindsey Oswald of Cherry Plain and Don’t Forget Your Dreams
Champion Western Rider William Rowe Memorial – James Czub of Schaghticoke and Ringo Reserve Champion Western Rider – Lindsey Oswald of Cherry Plain and Don’t Forget Your Dreams
Champion English Rider – Lindsey Oswald of Cherry Plain and Don’t Forget Your Dreams
Reserve Champion English Rider – Grace Huffam of Troy and Feelin the Burn
Champion Trail Rider – Lindsey Oswald of Cherry Plain & Don’t Forget Your Dreams
Reserve Champion Trail Rider – Amanda Thrasher of Troy and Foxy Lady
Just like all areas of 4-H, participants in the horse program learn a number of life skills and STEM-abilities that aid them in other areas of their life. For more information about this and other 4-H Youth Development programs, contact your respective Cooperative Extension Office. CCE of Rensselaer County is an equal opportunity employer and programmer.
–CCE of Rensselaer County
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