Agricultural News
4-H Members Show Up in Full Force at State Horse Show
Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:11:31 CDT
The Oklahoma heat continues to press on but it can't keep our dedicated youth from pursuing some of their greatest passions. During the month of June, 220 4-H youth exhibitors participated with 250 horses in the State 4-H Horse Show in Shawnee. The exhibitors made up a total of 850 class entries representing 48 county 4-H programs in Oklahoma. The top competitors from this state qualifying show are now preparing their mounts for the Southern Regional 4-H Championship Show that will be held in Tunica, MS the last week of July. During the Southern Regional show, our Oklahoma youth will compete with the best of the best from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia.
The 4-H mission states that "4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults." The horse program is one of the premiere examples of youth working with their parents and 4-H leaders to hone their skills for district, state and regional competitions. In order to qualify for the State 4-H Horse Show, showmen must first participate in one of four district shows and place in the top ten of their division. The class disciplines range from Breakaway Roping and Barrel Racing to Halter and Western Pleasure. Exhibitors must put in hours of time and dedication to prepare their horses for the show, practicing patterns and maneuvers until they seem effortless. Many youth spend hours with their parents and 4-H leaders going over technique and practicing their "game plan" in order to have the perfect performance at the event.
Owning a horse and preparing for shows teaches youth the responsibility of caring for an animal that is completely dependent on them. All 4-H horse exhibitors learn that the well-being of their horse is a priority and they become more knowledgeable through their 4-H horse project experience. Riders must ensure the animals are cared for on a daily basis and are in the perfect shape for competition. With continued dedication there is certain to be future success of Oklahoma exhibitors as they travel to the Southern Regional 4-H Championship Show.
Pictured above are (left to right): Madison Vance, Pawnee County - Reserve Champion 9-11 Hunt Seat Equitation aboard "Miss Classicscotch" and Kiley Ritchie, Tulsa County- Champion 9-11 Hunt Seat Equitation Rider aboard her horse "Just A Rumor".
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