When people think about 4-H and horses, they usually think of fairs, and riding or showing events. Youths don’t need to own a horse, or even know how to ride one, to participate in the Monroe County 4-H Horse Program. One simply needs a desire to learn more about horses.
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 a regional horse event that included youth from nine Finger Lakes area counties. The event is called Horse Bowl and quick recall of horse facts makes it exciting. Youth from Monroe County participated in the Regional Horse Event for which volunteer Niki Whilden helped them prepare.
Horse Bowl is a team endeavor run like a quiz show where contestants buzz in with the answers to horse-related questions. McKenzie Foster and Claire Bissi participated in the Novice Horse Bowl section as first time participants. Addie Whilden and Alexis Schwab participated in the Junior Horse Bowl Team portion for youth under 14 years of age. Rose Lanzatella was part of the Senior Division.
After participating at the regional event Whilden, Schwab, and Lanzatella received an invitation to take part in the event at the state level. The New York State Horse Bowl event was held on Saturday, April 9, at Cornell University. Rose Lanzatella and Alexis Schwab were able to attend and spend the day with youth with similar interests while experiencing a college campus. Lanzatella received a ninth place individual placing and was part of the third place team.
Members in the Monroe County 4-H Horse Program develop life skills such as leadership, communication, friendship, and responsibility. Youth ages 5 through 18 may participate. Those members ages 5 to 7 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 can contact monroe4H@cornell.edu or call 753-2550.
Learn more about the Monroe County 4-H Program at http://monroe.cce.cornell.edu/4-h-youth-development.
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