Delaware 4-H’ers Compete at State 4-H Horse Bowl Competition
The Delaware 4-H program recently held their annual State 4-H Horse Bowl. 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. 42 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.”
Official judges for the competition included Ms. Megan Pleasanton, Ms. Jamie Timson and Ms. Susan Garey.
The top three teams in each age division were:
Beginner (8-10 year olds)
1st Place– Prancing Ponies- East Coast Riding 4-H Club, Sussex County
Team Members: Claire Lopez, Tori Smith
Coaches: Jodie Gravenor, Heather Smith
2nd Place– Perfect Ponies- Hearts 4 Horses 4-H Club, Kent County
Team Members: Zoe Poore, Stephanie Strachar
Coach: Carrie Strachar
3rd Place- Camo & Cowgirls- Peach Blossom 4-H Club, Kent County
Team Members: Delayna Barlow, Savannah Messick, Carly Rebuck, Ethan Stafford
Coaches: Kacie Messick, Shannon Stafford
Junior (11-13 year olds)
1st Place- Marvelous Mares- Peach Blossom 4-H Club, Kent County
Team Members: Sydni Brown, Sydney Messick
Coach: Traci Brown, Kacie Messick
2nd Place– East Coast Ghost Riders- East Coast Riding 4-H Club, Sussex County
Team Members: Logan Layfield, Anna Lopes, Tori Noon, Emma Sparpaglione
Coach: Billy Jo Layfield, Heather Records
3rd Place– Equinators 4.0- Bridgeville Mustangs 4-H Club, Sussex County
Team Members: Cheyanne Bowman, Alexia Carroll, CJ Carroll, Paige Taylor
Coach: Melissa Layton, Heather Taylor
Senior (14-19 year olds)
1st Place– Team A- Holler-N Hooves 4-H Club, Kent County
Team Members: Sara Deason, Hayley Halloran
Coach: Dr. Sharon Little D.V.M., Hannah Ziccarelli
2nd Place– East Coast Buckin’ Beauties- East Coast Riding 4-H Club, Sussex County
Team Members: Rebecca Arpie, Katelyn Records, Garrett Smith
Coach: Jodie Gravenor, Cindy Ockels
3rd Place– Fantastic 4- Hearts 4 Horses 4-H Club, Kent County
Team Members: Sierra Kane, Courtney Spader, Danielle Urian
Coaches: Tina Kane, Jennifer Ridgely