Youths competed in performance, production classes

Butler County 4-H horse club members earned 11 awards at the 53rd annual State 4-H Horse Show held at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.

More than 750 youth from 60 counties vied for awards in 52 performance and 92 production classes. Butler County had 14 4-H’ers entered in the competition. Events tested skills in the categories of showmanship, equitation, pleasure, jumping, driving and timed events.

In the performance division, Marki Raabe of Boyers captured second place in Pleasure Pony Driving. Jesse Dillaman of Slippery Rock also took home second place honors in Miniature Horse Driving, Junior Driver.

Madeline McEachin of West Sunbury placed fifth in Western Horsemanship, Junior Rider. Madeline also competed in Western Grooming and Showmanship, Junior Exhibitor and Open Trail Horses, Junior Rider.

In Miniature Horse Driving, Senior Driver, Devin Campbell of Chicora was awarded fourth place. Claiming fifth place in Low Working Hunter Horses was Carissa Chilcott of Butler. Shannon Stovar of Butler placed fifth in Novice Reining. Placing eighth in Keyhole Ponies was Madison Helch of Chicora, and Ashlynn Randolph of Portersville placed ninth in Western Pleasure Ponies.

Also competing in the performance division were Sonia Sacco and Brittney Garing of Butler, Taylor Palmer of Slippery Rock, and Rachael Mogielski of New Brighton.

In the 4-H horse production division, members exhibit project animals that they have raised. Breanna Fowler of Chicora captured first place in Miniature Horse Type 2-Year-Old Fillies. Devin Campbell exhibited the second place entry in Miniature Horse Type 3-Year-Old Fillies. In the Stock Type Pony 2-Year-Old Fillies class, Marki Raabe placed third. Rachael Mogielski also exhibited a 3-Year-Old Miniature Horse Type Filly.

As part of the annual recognition ceremonies, 4-H members participating in the Team Horse Power program were recognized for their leadership. Butler County 4-H participants who were recognized included Carissa Chilcott and Laurel Johnson of Chicora. Team Horse Power is a leadership program that trains and empowers teens and young adults to develop their individual skills and in turn teach horsemanship skills and mentor youths. Team members work at county, regional and state activities to help youths improve their horsemanship abilities, promote safety and provide information about 4-H programs.

The purpose of the Pennsylvania 4-H horse program is to develop life skills in youth and knowledge of horse production, use and management. The program promotes development of horsemanship skills, while encouraging responsibility, self-confidence, sportsmanship and responsible care of project animals.

The state 4-H horse show culminates the year for more than 6,500 Pennsylvania 4-H members enrolled in horse and pony clubs. To be eligible for this show 4-H’ers advanced through qualifying competitions at county and district levels.

For more information about 4-H horse clubs, contact Extension Educator Donna Zang at 724-287-4761, Ext. 227, or dsz1@psu.edu.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center complex.