Urbana, Ill. – In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed characteristics, management, and feeding. That knowledge and skills were tested during the State 4-H Hippology Contest held April 22 on the University of Illinois campus.
In Hippology, youth field a wide range of questions, ranging from breed identification, anatomy, tack identification, and feed samples to disease management, parasite identification, and quality assessment. They also are given a timed problem-solving challenge they must solve on the spot in front of a panel of judges. Horse ownership is not a pre-requisite in the either the educational programs or contests.
Senior Division: Allison Burrs, Carroll County, first; Talisa Thomas, Whiteside County, second; Eliza Engelhardt, Marion County, third; Stephanie Niesen, DeWitt County, fourth; Hanna Wenzel, Saline County, fifth; Lauren Burrs, Carroll County, sixth; Ellis Rogers, Knox County, seventh; Maya Woodard, Monroe County, eighth; Abigail Schmidt, Carroll County, ninth; and Sydney Woodard, Monroe County, tenth.
Intermediate Division: Emily Conlee, Knox County, first; Linnea Thorngren, Carroll County, second; Avery Stegall, Knox County, third; Sydney King, Jefferson County, fourth; Gracie Walker, Hamilton County, fifth; Shaylen Rowland, Franklin County, sixth; Lexi Merriman, DeWitt County, seventh; Emma Quniton, McLean County, eighth; Moira Curry, Pike County, ninth; and Alexis Modaff, Kendall County, tenth.
Junior Division: Lillian Elsea, DeWitt County, first; Nora Moore, Madison County, second; Mallory Paur, Madison County, third; Adalyn Bocker, Ogle County, fourth; Jasmine Frerkes, Mercer County, fifth; Audrey Winkler, Jefferson County, sixth; Gretchen Carden, Bureau County, seventh; Briley Thomas, DeWitt County, eighth; Reagan Zeigler, Tazewell County, ninth; and Jennika Bausic, Winnebago County, tenth.
Illinois youth who will compete in the National 4-H Hippology Contest are supported by the Illinois 4-H Foundation and its donors. This year’s event also Horse Bowl and Horse Speaking events.
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.
For Further Information, Contact:
Source: Deb Hagstrom, University of Illinois Extension Specialist, Horses hagstrom@illinois.edu
Writer: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, 4-H State Office, carissa@illinois.edu
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.