4-H youth from Waseca County participated in the Minnesota 4-H State Horse show Sept. 15-18, 2023. This year, 608 youth from across the state took part in the annual event at the Minnesota State Fair. 4-H members 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 are even options for youth who are interested in horses, but don’t have access to one in their community. 

“Through the Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show, youth build communications skills, gain deeper learning and interest in horses, and build relationships with caring adults,” said Renee Kostick, an extension educator who manages the 4-H horse project in Minnesota. “These experiences contribute to their success in school, community, and futures.” The following youth were members of the Waseca County delegation: 

State Horse Trips 

Hippology/Speech-Demo/Horse Related/Horseless 

4-Her/Horse Judging: Ezra Boerner with horse Tequila; Karley Hamilton, Horse Judging; KayleeAhna Berg with Bubba; Bailey Hodgkins, Horse Related; Karley Hamilton with JEM Platinum Plus; Avary Hopper, Horse Judging; Avary Hopper with Mac; Sydney Lewer with Amara;  Jadyn White with Diamond

Results: 

Ezra Boerner, Tequila - 4th Place Poles Grade 7, 8th Place Barrels Grade 7, 4th Place Jumping Figure 8 Grade 7, 8th Place Key Race Grade 7 

Karley Hamilton, JEM Platinum Plus - 4th Place Horse Training Step 1 

To learn more about the Minnesota 4-H Horse Project, contact local extension educator Amy Nelson, at (507-835-0600) and visit the website https://z.umn.edu/4HHorseProject. 

About Extension 4-H: 4-H is a youth development program of the University of Minnesota Extension. Available for youth 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 youth 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.