On Sunday, November 21, 4-H members, volunteers, and family members gathered at Seneca Park’s Wegman Lodge for the 61st Annual Monroe County 4-H Horse Awards. As evidenced by its six decades of history, this event is a rich tradition for Monroe County 4-H. The family of Andrea (Horning) Wallenbeck sponsored this year’s event as a tribute to the memory of Andrea, a former 4-H participant.
The Frank Bono Sportsmanship Award is chosen in memory of 4-H Leader, Frank Bono. This trophy is donated by Ron and Mary Hull. The award is presented to an outstanding 4-H member who has consistently demonstrated a positive, respectful attitude and good sportsmanship. The 2021 recipient is Victoria Canales.
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 2021 Project Horse of the Year is Peso, owned by Melanie List.
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 Country Max Stores. The 2021 recipient—for the tenth consecutive year— is the Posh Ponies 4-H Club. This exemplary group strives to complete at least one community service project every month.
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 and tack identification, equine nutrition, and more. Awarded with First Stars in 2021 are Travis List and Chloe Wilson; Third Star recipients are Melanie List and Victoria Canales.
Gymkhana Horse Show awardees for 2021 include Erin Zielinski (Junior Champion), Melanie List (Reserve Junior Champion), Anya Katz (Senior Champion), and Victoria Canales (Reserve Senior Champion). Erin Zielinski also received the 2021 Monroe County 4-H Gymkhana Trophy.
Several hippology event awards were bestowed at the event. Hippology is the study of aspects of the horse, including anatomy, tack, feeds, parasites and diseases, breeds, and identification. The hippology contests include written exams, identification slides, horse judging, and other topics. 2021 participants included Molly Krotz, Azalea Winburn, Addie Whilden, Brianna Tindall, Rose Lanzatella, and Ava Ciravola.
2021 New York State 4-H Horse Bowl participants – Alexis Schwab, Addie Whilden, and Ava Ciravola – were also recognized at the event. Horse Bowl is a team competition focused on answering questions about all aspects of horses and their care.
Rose Lanzatella received two Horse Judging awards for participation in the New York State 4-H Horse Judging event. Lanzatella was recognized as Monroe County’s highest scoring senior at State Horse Judging. Horse Judging exposes 4-H members to the process of assessing and evaluating conformation and performance. Participants learn the skills needed to place horses in classes and orally justify their evaluations.
Cloverbud Members Travis List and Winona Mahon were recognized as the youngest 4-H participants – the future of the program.
The Monroe County 4-H Program is offered through Cornell Cooperative Extension to the youth of Monroe County. 4-H is a worldwide youth development program open to all youth ages five to 19, who want to have fun, learn new skills, and explore the world. Learn more at http://monroe.cce.cornell.edu/4-h-youth-development.
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