The Delaware 4-H program held their statewide 4-H Hippology contest at the end of December. Normally held on site at an equine facility, the event was adapted and held virtually this year. Hippology meaning “study of the horse” is an activity that enhances learning for 4-H members by letting them exhibit their knowledge and understanding of equine science and husbandry in a competitive setting. 34 youth ages 5-19 from across the state participated in the virtual competition. 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, sponsored the contest.

4-H members competed as individuals this year. The individual portion of the contest had competitors complete five different sections focused on multiple choice questions on equine management related topics, feed identification, general horse equipment identification horse coat color and marking identification, and sorting tack as well as breeds into appropriate categories. Seniors also completed an exercise that asked them to identify the parts of the sole of a horse foot based on a photograph.

4-H members were scored and placed utilizing the Danish system which compared their score to a standard.

The results of each age division were:

Cloverbud Participants (5-7 years old)
Quinn Albert, Bridgeville Mustangs 4-H Club, Sussex County
Caleb Mast, On Target 4-H Club, Kent County
Sarah Spence, Peach Blossom 4-H Club, Kent County

Beginner (8-10 year olds)
Juliette Anger, Bridgeville Mustangs 4-H Club, Sussex County ~Blue
Rylan Albert, Bridgeville Mustangs 4-H Club, Sussex County ~Red
Paisley Killen, Peach Blossom 4-H Club, Kent County ~Red
Payton Killen, Peach Blossom 4-H Club, Kent County ~Red
Sophia Mast, On Target 4-H Club, Kent County ~Red
Liam Probert, Sunset Branch 4-H Club, Sussex County ~Red
Lillie Bradley, Bridgeville Mustangs 4-H Club, Sussex County ~Yellow
Wyatt Vincent, Sunset Branch 4-H Club, Sussex County ~Yellow
Maggie Wieber, Peach Blossom 4-H Club, Kent County ~Yellow

Intermediate (11-13 year olds)
Julia Kelly, Westville 4-H Club, Kent County ~Blue
Abby Mast, On Target 4-H Club, Kent County ~Blue
Savannah Messick, Peach Blossom 4-H Club, Kent County ~Blue
Ethan Stafford, Peach Blossom 4-H Club, Kent County ~Blue
Rylei Webb, Peach Blossom 4-H Club, Kent County ~Blue
Sedona Ashman, Sunset Branch 4-H Club, Sussex County ~Red
Emily Davis, Country Clovers 4-H Club, Sussex County ~Red
Carley Rebuck, Peach Blossom 4-H Club, Kent County ~Red
Addison Ricker, Sunset Branch 4-H Club, Sussex County ~Red
Grace Ricker, Sunset Branch 4-H Club, Sussex County ~Red
Blayne Tucker, Peach Blossom 4-H Club, Kent County ~Red
Quinton Ashman, Sunset Branch 4-H Club, Sussex County ~Yellow
Kaitlyn Grant, Bridgeville Mustangs 4-H Club, Sussex County ~Yellow
Brooke Taylor, Bridgeville Mustangs 4-H Club, Sussex County ~Yellow

Senior (14-19 year olds)
Hannah Davis, Peach Blossom 4-H Club, Kent County ~Red
Sydney Messick, Peach Blossom 4-H Club, Kent County ~Red
Zoe Probert, Sunset Branch 4-H Club, Sussex County ~Red
Paige Taylor, Bridgeville Mustangs 4-H Club, Sussex County ~Red
Daisy Timney, Heavenly Hooves 4-H Club, New Castle County ~Red
Caroline Allen, Westville 4-H Club, Kent County ~Yellow
Edwin Noon, Country Clovers 4-H Club, Sussex County ~Yellow
Sophie Noon, Country Clovers 4-H Club, Sussex County ~Yellow
Ava Reilly, Country Clovers 4-H Club, Sussex County ~Yellow
Cate Reilly, Country Clovers 4-H Club, Sussex County ~Yellow