When people think about 4-H and horses, they usually think of fairs, and riding or showing events. It may surprise you to know that to participate in the Monroe County 4-H Horse Program you don’t need to own a horse, or even know how to ride one.
While riding may be one activity, the Monroe County 4-H Horse Program is also focused on educational events. 4-H members learn anatomy, breeds, equine science and care. With this knowledge, 4-H members participate in events designed to challenge their knowledge, communication and teamwork skills.
This spring, Monroe County 4-H Horse Program members participated in regional horse events, including Region 2 Horse Communications and Horse Extravaganza, which is comprised of both Horse Bowl and Hippology. One Monroe County 4-H member participated in Horse Communications at the Regional Level and 19 youth participated in the Regional Horse Extravaganza event. Volunteers, led by Niki Whilden, helped to prepare and coach the youth for the event.
Horse Communications is an event to show off communication and public speaking skills. The New York State 4-H Horse Communications event took place on May 11 with Monroe County 4-H member Ella Bohn competing in the Senior Division. Bohn has challenged herself to participate in new activities like Horse Communications, and has excelled.
Horse Bowl is a team endeavor run like a quiz show where contestants buzz in with the answers to horse-related questions. The New York State Horse Bowl event occurred on April 27 at Cornell University in Ithaca. Monroe County 4-H was represented by Ella Bohn in the senior division and Rose Lanzatella, Molly Krotz, and Ava Ciravola in the junior division. Pauline Marsh was the volunteer coach for the junior team. Regardless of kudos or accolades, each youth was able to face the pressure of competition while learning new things and having fun. Bohn qualified for the National Horse Bowl Event and Ciravola received a fifth place ribbon.
Hippology is an equine knowledge challenge that evaluates the overall knowledge of participants in equine science, vet science, equipment and farm management. Components of the competition include a judging phase, a 100-question written exam, and team problems. Regional level activities qualify members to go on to state and national levels. The state hippology event will be held during The Great New York State Fair in August.
Youth ages five through 18 may participate in 4-H. Those members ages five to seven will begin as part of the Cloverbud program. 4-H clubs are led by volunteers who schedule meetings and plan activities to suit the needs of their club members. Parents are encouraged to volunteer. Those interested in joining or volunteering with 4-H should email monroe4H@cornell.edu or call 753-2550.
Provided information
