The Delaware 4-H program recently held their annual State 4-H Horse Bowl. 28 teams comprised of youth ages 8-19 participated in the equine knowledge-based quiz bowl competition held at Lake Forest North Elementary in Felton, Delaware. The Delaware 4-H Horse Advisory Committee, a group composed of 4-H volunteers from all three Delaware counties that are dedicated to providing quality 4-H horse programs to members, sponsors the annual event.
4-H members competed on teams of up to four individuals and teams are divided into competition brackets based on age for the double elimination event. 4-H volunteer adult leaders coached young people in the months leading up to the competition to prepare them using specified resource materials. 45 Delaware 4-H volunteers assisted with the Horse Bowl event. University of Delaware Animal Science Extension Agent Susan Garey said, “It’s exciting to see so many young people who are interested in learning more about equine science. We are appreciative the many parents and coaches who volunteered their time over the past few months to help our youth learn in a positive, supportive environment.”
Official judges for the competition included Ms. Sara Deason, Ms. Jamie Timson and Ms. Susan Garey.
The top three teams in each age division were:
Beginner (8-10 year olds)
1st Place– Camo & Cowgirls- Peach Blossom 4-H Club, Kent County
Team Members: Miranda Garey, Savannah Messick, Carley Rebuck, Ethan Stafford,
Coach: Kacie Messick
2nd Place– Golden Gallopers- East Coast 4-H Club, Sussex County
Team Members: Ryleigh Archer, Claire Lopez, Chloe Wilkerson
Coach: Jodie Gravenor
3rd Place- Happy Farm Munchkins- Country Clovers 4-H Club, Sussex County
Team Members: Emily Davis, Angelo Retzos
Coaches: Suzanne Davis, Ann Hobbs
Junior (11-13 year olds)
1st Place- Magnificent Mares- East Coast 4-H Club, Sussex County
Team Members: Anna Lopez, Zoe Probert, Tori Smith, Abby Sparpaglione
Coach: Heather Smith, Beth Sparpaglione
2nd Place– Camo & Cowgirls- Peach Blossom 4-H Club, Kent County
Team Members: Sydni Brown, Aidan Garey, Sydney Messick
Coach: Kacie Messick
3rd Place– Happy Appys- Hearts 4 Horses 4-H Club, Kent County
Team Members: Zoe Poore, Stephanie Strachar
Coach: Michelle Poore, Carrie Strachar
Senior (14-19 year olds)
1st Place– Heavenly Hooves 4-H Club, New Castle County
Team Members: Sarah Brown, Jessica Knowles, Daisy Timney
Coach: Ann Blackmore, Angie Brown
2nd Place– Bucking Bays- Hearts 4 Horses 4-H Club, Kent County
Team Members: Ashley Bullock, Rylee Ridgely, Courtney Spader
Coach: Jen Ridgely, Dawn Spader
3rd Place– Bays + Grays- Hearts 4 Horses 4-H Club, Kent County
Team Members: Sierra Kane, Madison Poore, Alexis Skodzinski
Coaches: Tina Kane
Congrats to all the participants for all your hard work!