More than 120 4-H members expected for state horse show at Searcy
By Mary Alice Cole
U of A System Division of Agriculture
July 8, 2016
Fast facts:
- There are about 125 4-Hers competing
- 4-Hers may compete in more than four dozen events
(439 words)
(Newsrooms: File art from 4-H State Horse Show may be found here: www.flickr.com/photos/uacescomm/albums/72157645348574948)
LITTLE ROCK – The July 12-15 Arkansas 4-H State Horse is a time when about 125 4-H members from all across Arkansas compete in more than four dozen events, such as halter classes where the horse’s conformation is judged, and speed events such as pole bending.
From queen to ambassador
In years past, the state show featured the Queen’s Contest. Competitors were required to write speeches about how 4-H and their horse projects made a defining difference in their lives. Contestants presented their speeches in front of a panel of judges and then the judges asked the contestants questions about their horses and how they cared for them. Following the judging panel, the 4-her’s mounted their horses and rode a reining pattern in the arena. The individuals are judged on their interview, riding ability, and appearance. Then the scores were tallied and the new queens were crowned.
This year, the contest is being called 4-H Horse Program Ambassador. Contestants will still be judged on their interview, presentation and riding ability, but appearance will no longer be part of the score. The winner of the Junior and the Senior division of this contest will be involved in Arkansas 4-H in other project areas and at different functions across the state throughout their year’s term.
The changes will enable “this program to be able to get more 4-Her’s involved in 4-H,” said Mark Russell, assistant professor-equine for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Don’t have to be in the saddle
A horse is not required to be a Arkansas State Horse Show contestant. There are team events such as Hippology, where teams are challenged on their knowledge of all things equine. A moderator asks questions and the first team to answer the question correctly gets a point. There are also individual contests, including public speaking on any number of equine topics.
Competitors qualify for the state show by competing in one of four district shows.
On June 4, there was one at Fayetteville for the Northwest Ozark District; on June 10, there was one at the Saline County fairgrounds for the Southwest District; on June 14 the Delta District show was held at the White County Fairgrounds, which is also hosting the Central Ozark District show on June 21.
For more information about the 4-H equine program visit www.uaex.uada.edu or contact your county extension office.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu
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