[GALVA, Ill. April 5, 2024] - Excitement is mounting as youth with a passion for horses gear up for the Northwest Regional Horse Bowl Contest, scheduled for April 6, 2024, at Black Hawk College East in Galva, IL. Organized by Jennifer Peterson, 4-H educator serving Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Stark Counties, this event offers a showcase of equine knowledge and camaraderie.
The Horse Bowl Contest, akin to scholastic bowls, offers a unique platform for 4-H horse project enthusiasts to exhibit their expertise in equine-related subjects in a competitive yet friendly atmosphere. The event kicks off at 9 a.m. with Hippology, followed at 10:30 with the Horse Bowl Contest and Hippology Oral Questions. It wraps up with an awards ceremony in the Auditorium. (See the full schedule here)
An impressive 67 4-H members have registered from across Illinois's Northwest Region, including Henry, Stark, Mercer, Rock Island, Bureau, LaSalle, Knox, Stephenson, Winnebago, Boone, Carroll & Ogle counties. They will engage in spirited rounds of questioning focused solely on horses. Participating in not limited to those with direct horse ownership or enrollment in the horse project, emphasizing inclusivity and a passion for equestrianism.
Junior teams, comprised of 4-H members aged 8 to 13, as well as Senior teams for those aged 14 and older, will showcase their knowledge and teamwork in pursuit of victory. The regional contest serves as a gateway to the state horse bowl contest, held annually at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus in April, where only the top qualifiers compete.
"More than just a competition, the Horse Bowl Contest fosters a sense of community and sportsmanship among youth with a shared love for horses," says Jennifer Peterson. "It's inspiring to witness their dedication and passion shine through as they demonstrate their equine expertise."
Beyond the thrill of competition, participants gain invaluable knowledge and forge lasting connections within the equestrian community.
For media inquiries, please contact: Jennifer Peterson, 4-H educator jpetersn@illinois.edu You can find her at the contest on Saturday.
Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. Illinois Extension is part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.