2011 Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show

by Pat Comerford, Extension Horse Specialist

To be eligible for the show, members must advance through qualifying competitions at county, regional and district levels. Events include breed conformation and futurity classes for horses five years old and younger in the production division. The performance division includes showmanship, equitation, pleasure, over fences, driving, western riding, reining, trail and timed events. A therapeutic riding division for riders with special needs is also included. Results and photos from the show are available on the Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Program website at www.das.psu.edu – go to 4-H programs and horses.

One of the highlights, Samantha Fairchild from Lancaster, Pennsylvania was recognized as the 2011 4-H Horse Program Outstanding Member.  She received a custom tack trunk donated by Stable Hollow Construction of Manheim, Pennsylvania.  Samantha is a member of the Rough Riders Horse and Pony Club, the 4-H Horse Production Club and the 4-H Square Dancing Club of Lancaster County. She participated in leadership, performance, production and competitive trail riding 4-H projects, horse judging, hippology, Horsemanship Skills and many other 4-H, school and community activities. Her most important community service projects were a mission trip to provide clean water to a village in Kenya and assisting with pony rides for youth with disabilities.

Outstanding member award finalists were presented halters and leads donated by Tory Leather Company of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. In addition to the winner, the finalists include: Paige Henry, Indiana County; Elizabeth Pope, Northumberland County; Rachel Sheffler, Westmoreland County and Stephanie Summits, Somerset County.

Several youth received certificates and awards from their districts for passing Level 3 of the Horsemanship Skills Program. The 4-H members recognized for passing Level 3 include: Dakota Roy, Butler County; Fran McAninch, Clearfield County; Mackenzie Kurtz, Columbia County; and Angela Moretti, Indiana County.

The 4-H Horse Program Development Committee awarded custom belt buckles to three 4-H members for passing Level 4 of the Horsemanship Skills Program. Dakota Roy, Butler County; Fran McAninch, Clearfield County and Danielle Lehman, Columbia County were recognized for passing Level 4.

The Horsemanship Skills Program is a progressive, educational program to develop safety, horsemanship and life skills of 4-H members. Youth are provided opportunities to learn skills and are tested by trained examiners before advancing to the next level. There are four levels beginning with a novice or beginner level and progressing to an advanced level. Level 4 is the highest level of the program and recognizes youth for their advanced level of horsemanship skills and ability to effectively ride and handle their horse.

There are over 8,500 4-H horse projects involving youth throughout Pennsylvania. Programs are designed to develop life skills in youth and knowledge of horse production, use, and management. For additional information on 4-H horse programs in Pennsylvania, contact your county Penn State Cooperative Extension office, or visit the Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Program web site at www.das.psu.edu– go to 4-H programs and horse.