Local 4-H youth from East Otter Tail County participated in the Minnesota 4-H State Horse show Sept. 13-16. This year, over 680 youth 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. 

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, 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 East Otter Tail County delegation participating in the listed events:

Breckin Foley – Poles (10th place), Barrels, Jumping Figure 8, Key Race

Brielle Malone – Jumping Figure 8 (5th place), Barrels (7th place), Key Race, Poles

Ella Horn – Poles, Barrels, Jumping Figure 8, Key Race

Ella McCall – Horse Training (4th place)

Faith Kalina – Western Showmanship (1st place), Hunt Seat Equitation (2nd place), Hunt Seat Pleasure (3rd place), Western Pleasure (4th place), Western Horsemanship (5th place)

Jadyn Spindler – Western Showmanship (5th place), Trail (10th place), Western Horsemanship, Ranch Pleasure, Poles, Barrels, Jumping Figure 8, Key Race 

Kaitlynn Dittmann – Ranch Pleasure, Poles, Barrels, Jumping Figure 8, Key Race

Sara Mindermann – Trail (4th place), Western Horsemanship (5th place), Western Pleasure (6th place), Western Showmanship, Hunt Seat Pleasure, Hunt Seat Equitation

Trisha Crews – Western Showmanship, Ranch Pleasure, Hunt Seat Equitation, Trail

To learn more about Minnesota 4-H Horse Project, contact local extension educators, Sarah Downhour or Jordan Gusa at 218-385-5420 and visit the website,https://z.umn.edu/4HHorseProject