Dakota Roy of Butler, second from left, receives a level 4 award, the highest level in the Horsemanship Skills program, at the annual Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show in October. Also pictured are, from left, Patty Kelly, chairwoman of the 4-H Horse Program Development Committee; Fran McAninch of Clearfield County; Danielle Lehman of Columbia County; Dr. Tammy Eichstadt, vice chairwoman of the 4-H Horse Program Development Committee, and Pat Comerford, Penn State Equine Extension Specialist.

The 52nd annual Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show was held October 28, 29 and 30 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. Youth from 58 counties qualified for this year’s show. More than 900 youth with 996 horses participated in 48 performance and 100 production classes and special events throughout the weekend.

To be eligible for this show 4-H’ers advanced through qualifying competitions at county and district levels. Nine Butler County 4-H horse club members were entered in competition earning eight awards. Events tested skills in showmanship, equitation, pleasure, jumping, driving and timed events.

In the performance division, Dakota Roy of Butler captured second place in western horsemanship, senior division. Dakota also competed in western pleasure horse, senior rider.

Allie Palmer of Slippery Rock placed ninth in raised box keyhole ponies and 10th in pole bending ponies.

Ashlynn Randolph of Portersville was seventh in western pleasure ponies.

Devin Campbell of Chicora captured third place in miniature horse driving, and Marki Raabe of Boyers was eighth in pleasure pony driving.

In the 4-H horse production division, members exhibit project animals that they have raised.

Ginger Ullrich of Slippery Rock captured first place in quarter horse fillies of this year. Ginger also competed in the four year old English pleasure futurity with a second production entry.

Devin Campbell exhibited the fifth place entry in hunter type pony two-year-old fillies.

Also competing at the State 4-H Horse Show were Jesse Dillaman of Slippery Rock in miniature horse driving, Carissa Chilcott of Butler in hunter hack horses, and Madison Helch of Chicora in pole bending ponies and raised box keyhole ponies.

As part of the annual recognition ceremonies, 4-H members were recognized for completion of advanced levels of horsemanship skills. 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 horses.

Dakota Roy was recognized for completion of level 3 and level 4 horsemanship skills.

In addition to the weekend’s competition, clinics and demonstrations with horses and riders were conducted by members of the Team Horse Power program, Penn State extension and industry professionals.

Dr. Tammy Eichstadt conducted a demonstration on preparing the horse for open trail classes.

Equine Extension Associates for the 4-H Horse Program, Bethany Bickel and Lew Trumble worked with several Team Horse Power members to provide hands-on clinics for youth and adult participants.

The clinics included horsemanship, handling and safety techniques. Team Horse Power members worked with younger show participants to make and show mop ponies in two, popular interactive sessions.

Team Horse Power is a leadership program that trains and empowers teens and young adults to develop their individual skills and in turn teach horsemanship skills and mentor youth.

Team members work at county, regional and state activities to help youth improve their horsemanship abilities, promote safety and provide information about 4-H programs.

Butler County members of the Team Horse Power program include Laurel Johnson of Chicora along with Carissa Chilcott and Dakota Roy. Team members were presented medallions in recognition of their achievements and service to the 4-H Horse Program as part of the recognition ceremony program.

There are more than 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 more information about 4-H horse clubs in Butler County, contact County Extension Director Donna Zang by calling 724-287-4761 Ext. 227 or sending e-mail to dsz1@psu.edu.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center complex.