Mower County 4-H’ers participate in Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show

4-H youth from Mower County participated in the Minnesota 4-H State Horse show Sept. 13-16, 2024. This year, over 680 youth from across the state participated in the annual event at the Minnesota State Fair. 4-H’ers demonstrate their skills and knowledge in hippology (showing knowledge and understanding of equine science and husbandry), horse judging (study of an animal, measuring it against an accepted ideal), horse training and achievement, speech and demonstrations about interest in horses or the horse industry, showmanship and drill team skills.

Youth who participate in the Minnesota 4-H Horse Project learn about show, trail, and endurance riding; test their horse knowledge at quiz bowls or on judging teams, and study horse science. Youth may participate if they own or lease a horse. There are even options for youth who are interested in horses, but don’t have access to one in their community.

“Through the Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show, youth build communications skills, gain deeper learning and interest in horses, and build relationships with caring adults,” said Renee Kostick, Extension Educator who manages the 4-H horse project in Minnesota. “These experiences contribute to their success in school, community, and futures.”

The following youth were members of the Mower County delegation:

Trey Anderson

Second place – Hunt Seat Pleasure, Grade 13

Sixth place – Showmanship – Western, Grades 13

Third place – Western Pleasure, Grade 13

Fourth place – Western Horsemanship, Grade 13

Gloria Bergstrom

Sixth place – Poles, Grade 7

First place – Key Race, Grade 7

Halle Burke

Sixth place – Hunt Seat Pleasure, Grade 9

Seventh place – Western Horsemanship, Grade 9

Fifth place – Ranch Pleasure, Grade 6-9

Erika Hollerud

Fourth place – Poles, Grade 9

Eighth place – Barrels, Grade 9

Lauren Irvin

Second place – Jumping Figure 8, Grade 10

Senior Horse Interview Finalist

Brody Sampson

Sixth place – Miniature Horse Showmanship, Grade 6-8

Fifth place – Miniature Horse Costume, Grade 6-8

Ty Sampson

Eighth place – Showmanship – Western, Grades 10

Nevaeh Slowinski

First place – Miniature Horse Driving Obstacle, Grade 6-8

Third place – Miniature Horse, Costume Grade 6-8

Amy Smith

First place – Miniature Horse Costume, Grade 9+

Clara Thompson

First place – Training Step 5

Sixth place – Showmanship – Western, Grades 11

Sixth place – Western Horsemanship, Grade 11

Second place – Miniature Horse Showmanship Gr. 9+

Second place – Miniature Horse Obstacle at Hand Gr. 9+

Fifth place – Miniature Horse Hunter Gr. 9+

Fifth place – Miniature Horse Jumper Gr. 9+

Second place – Miniature Horse Driving Gr. 9

Second place – Miniature Horse Liberty Gr. 9+

Fourth place – Miniature Horse Costume Gr. 9+

Senior Horse Interview Winner

Liam Thompson

Fourth place – Miniature Horse Showmanship, Gr. 6-8

Second place – Miniature Horse Hunter, Gr. 6-8

Second place – Miniature Horse Driving Obstacle, Gr. 6-8

First place – Miniature Horse Driving, Gr. 6-8

Third place – Miniature Horse Liberty, Gr. 6-8

Full results can be found on the Minnesota 4-H Horse Project website at https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-showcase-events/minnesota-4-h-state-horse-show.

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