OREGON, 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. University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed characteristics, management, and feeding. That knowledge and skills were tested during the State Horse Bowl Contest on April 13 on the University of Illinois campus.

Horse Bowl functions much like a scholastic bowl in a school setting, emphasizing equine knowledge with youth competing individually and on teams. Horse ownership is not a prerequisite in either educational programs or contests.

Ogle County Horse Bowl Team members include Adalyn Bocker, Addison Diehl, Kenzie Hongsermeier, Lily Hongsermeier, and Addison Yordy. The coaches for the team include Elizabeth Stauffer, Erica Bocker, and Jeanie Yordy.  

In Junior Division Horse Bowl Teams, the Mercer County team took first, the Ogle County team took second, and the Rock Island/Henry County team took third.

Top individual finishers in the Junior Division include Moira Curry, Champaign County, first place; Hanna Koch, Tazewell County, second place; Addison Yordy, Ogle County, third place.

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

Photo: Ogle County 4-H Horse Bowl Team, front row L to R: Kenzie Hongsermeier, Addison Yordy, Adalyn Bocker, Addison Diehl, and Lily Hongsermeier. Team coaches in the back row L to R: Elizabeth Stauffer, Erica Bocker, and Jeanie Yordy.