(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by Sherbunre County 4-H Extension.)

Twelve 4-H youths from Sherburne County participated in the Minnesota 4-H State Horse show Sept. 17-20, 2021. This year, 591 youths from across the state participated in the annual event at the Minnesota State Fair.  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. 

Youths 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. Youths may participate if they own or lease a horse. There are even options for youths who are interested in horses, but don’t have access to one in their community.

“Through the Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show, youths build communications skills, gain deeper learning and interest in horses, and build relationships with caring adults,” said Renee Kostick, Extension Educator who manages the 4-H horse project in Minnesota. “These experiences contribute to their success in school, community, and futures.”

The following youths were members of the Sherburne County delegation:

• Mykailah Aucapina (Judging, Hippology, Horse Related);

• Lylli Delaney (Hippology, Poles, Horse Related, Barrels, Jumping Figure Eight, Key Race);

• Ethan Fagen (Trail, Poles, Barrels, Jumping Figure 8, Key Race);

• Caitlyn Harvey (Hippology, Judging);

• Jordan Harvey (Hippology);

• Madalyn Harvey (Judging);

• Dakotah Leach (Western Showmanship, Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Hunt Seat Pleasure, Hunt Seat Equitation, Hippology, Trail);

• Marissa Mox (Judging, Hippology, Barrels, Jumping Figure 8, Key Race);

• Aidan Rizk (Western Showmanship, Pony Pleasure, Pony Hunt Seat Pleasure, Judging, Training, Hippology, Hunt seat Equitation);

• Colton Rosenlund (Western Showmanship, Western Pleasure, Hunt Seat Pleasure, Judging);

• Erin Sailor (Hippology);

• Kami Janssen (Hippology);

To learn more about Minnesota 4-H Horse Project, contact local extension educator Danielle Ganje, at 763-765-3075 and visit the website, z.umn.edu/4HHorseProject.

About Extension 4-H: 4-H is a youth development program of the University of Minnesota Extension. Available for youths grades k-1 year after high school, 4-H’ers participate in hands-on learning experiences in STEM, citizenship & leadership, animal science, creative arts and much more. Through this learn-by-doing process, youth obtain essential life skills such as problem solving, decision making, coping and communicating that help them succeed in their school, college, community and career. Research shows that youths who participate in 4-H have better grades and are more emotionally engaged with school, are more than twice as likely to be civically active and contribute to their communities, and are 47% less likely to have risky or problem behaviors.