The Delaware 4-H program recently held their annual State 4-H Horse Bowl. 22 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. 48 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 of 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 Brown Deason, Ms. Megan Pleasanton and Ms. Kay Betts.
The top three teams in each age division were:
Beginner (8-10 year olds)
1st Place- Happy Farm Munchkins- Country Clovers 4-H Club, Sussex County
Team Members: Emily Davis, Angelo Retzos
Coach: Suzanne Davis
2nd Place– Rhinestone Cowgirls – Peach Blossom 4-H Club, Kent County
Team Members: Savannah Messick, Blayne Tucker, Maggie Wieber, Meredith Schiff
Coach: Kacie Messick
3rd Place- East Coast Prancing Ponies – East Coast 4-H Club, Sussex County
Team Members: Claire Lopez, Chloe Wilkerson, Maren Edwards
Coach: Jodie Gravenor
Junior (11-13 year olds)
1st Place- Happy Riders – Country Clovers 4-H Club, Sussex County
Team Members: Danielle Eisemann, Hailey Smith, Chloe Megee
Coach: Jen deGiovanni
2nd Place- Happy View Clovers – Country Clovers 4-H Club, Sussex County
Team Members: Cate Reilly, Eddie Noon, Sophie Noon
Coach: Wendy Megee
3rd Place- East Coast Magnificent Mares – East Coast 4-H Club, Sussex County
Team Members: Anna Lopez, Ryleigh Archer, Tori Smith, Abby Sparpaglione Coach: Heather Smith
Senior (14-19 year olds)
1st Place- East Coast Buckin’ Beauties, East Coast 4-H Club, Sussex County
Team Members: Autumn Lenhart, Emma Sparpaglione, Rebecca Arpie
Coach: Jackie Arpie
2nd Place- Bays & Greys – Hearts 4 Horses 4-H Club, Kent County
Team Members: Sierra Kane, Madison Poore, Rylie Ridgely, Wyatt Long
Coach: Tina Kane
3rd Place- Westville 4-H Club, Kent County
Team Members: Caroline Allen, Olivia Gaines
Coaches: Jamie Hilvers, Andrea Keen