4-H horse club members earn 8 awards
Butler County 4-H horse club members earned eight awards at the 48th annual State 4-H Horse Show at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.
More than 900 youth from over 60 counties vied for awards in 49 performance and 79 production classes. Butler County had 16 4-H'ers entered in the competition. Events tested skills in showmanship, equitation, pleasure, jumping, driving and timed events.
In the performance division, Emily Sale of Saxonburg captured third place in Hunter Seat Equitation over Fences, Sr. Division. Kyle Carson of Evans City placed fourth in Pole Bending Ponies. Erin Turner of Renfrew finished fifth in Raised Box Keyhole Ponies and Marie Noah of Butler finished fifth in Saddle Seat Pleasure Ponies. Sarah Melton of Cranberry Township placed eighth in Hunter Under Saddle Ponies.
In the 4-H horse production division, members exhibit project animals that they have raised. Marie Noah captured first place in Saddle Type Horse Filly of this Year.
Shelby Miller of Sewickley also placed first with her entry in Stock Type Horse Yearling Gelding. Dominique Ellis of Natrona Heights placed fourth with her Miniature Horse Two Year Old Gelding.
Also competing at the State 4-H Horse Show were Peyton Williams of Karns City, Amy Turner of Renfrew, Alicia Sacco of Butler, Aubrie Randolph of Portersville, Amanda Dillaman of Slippery Rock, Beth Larson of Harmony, John Rihel of Slippery Rock, Krissy Fowler of Chicora, and Ginger Ullrich of Slippery Rock.
The 4-H Horse Program recognized four Pennsylvania 4-H members for passing Level 4 of the Horsemanship Skills Program. Jason Zang of Evans City, one of the members recognized, was honored for his mastery of horsemanship and handling skills. The Horsemanship Skills Program is a progressive, educational program to develop safety, horsemanship and life skills of 4-H members. Youth are provided opportunities to learn skills and are tested by trained examiners before advancing to the next level. There are four levels, beginning with a novice or beginner level and progressing to an advanced level.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 about 6,200 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 additional information about 4-H horse clubs in Butler County, contact County Extension Director Donna Zang at 724-287-4761 ext 227. E-mail dsz1@psu.edu.This material is submitted by Donna Zang, Extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview Home complex.
