Nine  4-H youth from Benton County participated in the Minnesota 4-H State Horse show Sept. 14-18. This year, 683 youth from across the state participated in the annual event at the Minnesota State Fair.

 

4-H’ers who have completed 6th grade and won a trip at the County 4-H Horse Show are given the opportunity to compete at the state level with their horses. 

 

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 is even options for youth who are interested in horses, but don’t have access to one in their community.

 

Congratulations to all of the Benton County 4-H State Horse Show participants for their accomplishments!  The State 4-H Horse Show is one of the many educational events coordinated by University of Minnesota Extension and conducted by county educators and 4-H volunteers. 

 

 For more information on how to become involved in 4-H, please call the Ann Olson, Benton County 4-H Program Coordinator, at 612.889.2206 e-mail olso7616@umn.edu or visit our website at http://www3.extension.umn.edu/county/benton/4-h.