4-H members, volunteers, and family members gathered to celebrate the 60th Annual Monroe County 4-H Horse Awards this year. This event has a rich tradition for Monroe County 4-H, and this was the first time it was held virtually. Whether in person or through a computer, it is a time to showcase the learning and achievements of the previous project year.
The 4-H Horse Awards kicked off with a special guest from the New York State 4-H Office. Alexa Maille, STEM specialist, joined the group to recognize Mary Hull, of Churchville, as the recipient of the 2020 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award for New York State 4-H.
Victoria Canales and Melanie List of the Mariah Meadows 4-H Club both received the special Walker Hunter, Jr., Outstanding Novice Award. Victoria and Melanie received this award, which is presented to a 4-H member in his or her first few years in the horse program. Nominees think horses are terrific, exhibit a positive attitude, seek knowledge, and demonstrate enthusiasm. The trophy for this award is donated by the Defendorf family.
The Frank Bono Sportsmanship Award is chosen in memory of 4-H Leader Frank Bono. This trophy is donated by Ron and Mary Hull as well as Bob Trowbridge and the Twin Post Horsemen 4-H Club. The award is presented to an outstanding 4-H member who has consistently demonstrated a positive, respectful attitude and good sportsmanship. There were two recipients of this award, Sara Menke and Erin Zielinski, Mariah Meadows 4-H Club participants.
The Kay Bar Baby Memorial Award is presented annually to the 4-H horse that most typifies the ideal project horse. Each year the trophy is donated by Andy and Lori Lomker in memory of their special horse, Kay Bar Baby. The 2020 Project Horse of the Year, Lena, is ridden by 4-H member, Erin Zielinski, and owned by Mariah Meadows Farm.
The Community Service Award is presented to the 4-H Horse Club that has exhibited exceptional service to their community throughout the year. This perpetual award is donated by CountryMax Stores. The recipient in 2020 is The Posh Ponies 4-H Club. The group strives to complete at least one service project each month. Their projects in the past year have included protecting the environment by removing invasive species to preparing meals for families needing support.
The Five Star Program for the 4-H Horse Project is a progressive achievement program designed to teach horsemanship skills and knowledge. First star recipients show aptitude regarding breed identification and tack identification. Awarded with a first star this year is Kennedy Guhman. Second star recipients move up a level and challenge themselves to identify coat color of horses or understand hoof care. Second star recipients in 2020 are Victoria Canales, Melanie List, Ella Torrence, Angelica Montagliano, Sofia Beghini, Ava Cerroni, and Allyson Thummler. Challenging themselves with mastery at the third star level were Erin Zielinski, Mattisen Rife, Makena Barbieri, and Ariana Dimitriadis. These youth learn the movements of a horse in different gaits and learn about nutritional needs of horses.
Cloverbud members Travis List, Melanie List, and Ella Schwab were all recognized. These are the youngest 4-H youth and are the future of the program.
Gymkhana show awards were received by youth. Erin Zielinski and Ava Ciravola were the Junior and Reserve Junior Champion at the Monroe County 4-H Gymkhana Show. Senior and Reserve Senior Champion at the show were Anya Katz and Sara Menke. Anya Katz was the recipient of the 2020 Monroe County 4-H Gymkhana Trophy.
At the virtual awards program, youth were also recognized for participating in knowledge events throughout the year and receiving scholarships to attend camp.
The 4-H Horse Awards were provided for youth in five-gallon plastic buckets that were donated by Runnings in Brockport. Youth were able to gather in small groups for watch parties. This allowed families to remain physically distant and socially connected.
The Monroe County 4-H Program is offered through Cornell Cooperative Extension to the youth of Monroe County. Learn more at http://monroe.cce.cornell.edu/4-h-youth-development.
Provided information. Photos by Ginger Zielinski.
