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 22 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: Emma Steiger, Rock Island County, first; Gracie Walker, Monroe County, second; Jasmine Frerkes, Mercer County, third; Carolina Cox, Monroe County, fourth; Madelyn Oltman, Henry County, fifth; Julian Henry, Knox County, sixth; Jocelyn Erikson, Mercer County, seventh; Paisley Martin, Mercer County, eighth; Abby Jonson, Knox County, ninth; and Nick Gorbach, Rock Island County, tenth.
Top finishers in the Senior Division include: Eliza Engelhardt, Marion County, first; Hannah Wenzel, Saline County, second; Maya Woodard, Monroe County, third; Ellis Rogers, Knox County, fourth; Stephanie Niesen, DeWitt County, fifth; Kylee Hutchinson, Marion County, sixth; Emilee Conlee, Knox County, seventh; Grant Alexander, Knox County, eighth; Sydney Woodard, Monroe County, ninth; and Annsley Healy, White County, tenth.
In Junior Division Horse Bowl Teams, the Rock Island-Henry team took first, the Mercer County team took second, and the Monroe County team took third.
In Senior Division Horse Bowl Teams, the Saline-Monroe-White team took first, the Marion team took second, and the Knox 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.