The Delaware 4-H program held their annual State 4-H Horse Bowl this past Saturday with 28 teams entered. 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 really exciting to see so many young people who are interested in learning about equine science. We sincerely appreciate the many volunteers who donated their time to help our youth learn in a positive, supportive environment.”
Volunteer officials for the competition included Ms. Nina Lee, Dr. Emily Gallaway D.V.M. and Dr. Annie Renzetti, V.M.D.
The top three teams in each age division were:
Beginner (8-10 year olds)
1st Place– Magic Mares- Sussex County – Team Members: Dakota Carmona, Anna Lopez, Tori Smith
Coaches: Jodie Gravenor, Heather Smith
2nd Place– Tails and Trails and Heavenly Hooves, New Castle County – Team Members: Clara Gulick, Angela Minner, Samantha Minner, Mimi Roddick
Coach: Kathy Heverin
3rd Place- Hearts 4-Horses Fillies- Kent County – Team Members: Lexi Johnson, Caressa Lockwood, Stephanie Strachar
Coaches: Stacey Johnson, Carrie Strachar
Junior (11-13 year olds)
1st Place- Hearts 4-Horses- Team Members: Ashley Bullock, Danielle Urian, Donna Urian, Arieneonna Walbert
Coach: Betty Bullock, Connie Urian
2nd Place– Equinators 3.0, Sussex County – Team Members: Jenna Anger, Cheyanne Bowman, Alexia Carroll, Paige Taylor
Coach: Melissa Layton, Heather Taylor
3rd Place– Westville Trot-Tastics- Kent County – Team Members: Hayden Jackson, Olivia Gaines, Carter Sylvester, Regan Williams,
Coach: Brittany Blacksten, Laura Pomatto
Senior (14-19 year olds)
1st Place– Holler-N Hooves, Kent County – Team Members: Christie Little, Nicole Cannavo, Sara Deason, Courtney Sarlouis
Coach: Dr. Sharon Little D.V.M.
2nd Place– Dream Team- Kent CountY – Team Members: Ashley Hurd, Lauren Ide, Peyton Ridgely
Coach: Jennifer Ridgely
3rd Place– Heavenly Hooves Scramble- New Castle County – Team Members: Sarah Brown, Taylor Heverin, Briana Mason
Coach: Ann Blackmore