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. 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 April 13 on the University of Illinois campus.
Horse Bowl functions much like a scholastic bowl in a school setting, with an emphasis on equine knowledge with youth competing both individually and on teams. Horse ownership is not a pre-requisite in the either the educational programs or contests.
Top finishers in the Junior Division include: Moira Curry, Champaign County, first place; Hanna Koch, Tazewell County, second place; Addison Yordy, Ogle County, third place; Paisley Martin, Mercer County, fourth place; Nick Gorbach, Rock Island/Henry County, fifth place; Jasmine Frerkes, Mercer County, sixth place; Dalton Carls, Rock Island/Henry County, seventh place; Reagan Zeigler, Tazewell County, eighth place; Jocelyn Erickson, Mercer County, ninth place; Nora Moore, Monroe-Madison County, tenth place.
Top finishers in the Senior Division include: Ellis Rogers, Knox County, first place; Anna Hessell, RIC Henry County, second place; Michaela Persico, Kendal County, third place; Rylan Holman, Knox County, fourth place; Maddie Oltman, Rock Island/Henry County, fifth place; Emma Steiger, Rock Island/Henry County, sixth place; Bailey Callahan, Rock Island/Henry County, seventh place, Kiowa Quillen, Franklin County, eighth place, Annelise Veeder, Kendall County, ninth place, and Scarlett Parcel, Kendall County, tenth place.
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.
In Senior Division Horse Bowl Teams, the Rock Island/Henry County team took first, the Knox County team took second, and the Kendal County team took third.
This year’s event also Hippology and Horse Speaking state contests.
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.