OREGON, Ill. — Ogle County was represented by six local youth who competed in the Northwest Regional Competition for Illinois 4-H Horse Speaking, Horse Bowl, and Hippology earlier this month and were rewarded for their efforts. This was their first time competing in the State 4-H Horse Speaking contest.
The 4-H Horse Bowl and Hippology allow youth enrolled in 4-H horse projects to demonstrate their knowledge of equine-related subject matter in a competitive setting. These contests provide an educational experience for both participants and spectators. Youth work as a team to answer questions and compete against other teams in the same class, and individually to answer questions. Some 4-H’ers also complete a written exam based on their knowledge. 4-H Horse Speaking contests help youth gain self-confidence, courage, and persuasiveness; share ideas with others; and develop the ability to speak publicly to inform others about horse-related subjects and the 4-H Horse project.
The Junior Horse Bowl team placed second in the state of Illinois. The team consisted of members Adalyn Bocker, Kenzie Hongsermeier, Lily Hongsermeier, and Stella Lombardozzi. Adalyn Bocker also placed 4th overall in points individually for Horse Bowl, and Kenzie Hongsermeier placed 5th.
Adalyn Bocker placed 4th in Intermediate Hippology, and Addison Yordy placed 8th.
Lily Hongsermeier placed 3rd in Junior Interpretive Reading for the Horse Speaking Contest, while Kenzie Hongsermeier placed 8th. Adalyn Bocker & Addison Yordy had the 3rd place Junior Team Presentation, while Addison Diehl placed 8th in Junior Individual Presentation.
Congratulations to all, Ogle County is very proud of your achievements!
PHOTO: The Junior Horse Bowl team placed second in Illinois. L to R: Kenzie Hongsermeier, Lily Hongsermeier, Stella Lombardozzi, and Adalyn Bocker.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.