COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H Hippology Contest, March 19 in Columbia, gathered 54 youths along with their coaches.

A majority of participants reported that their knowledge in areas such as equine confirmation, behavior, equipment, diseases, anatomy, terminology and characteristics improved as a result of participating in the event, said Maria Calvert, University of Missouri Extension 4-H state agriculture and natural resources educator.

Top junior competitors (ages 8-13): 1st – Kaylie Higgins, Newton County; 2nd – Adalena McAsey, Andrew County; 3rd – Adalyn Sevits, Schuyler County; 4th – Jolynn Scott, Lafayette County; 5th – Josie Schulte, Osage County; 6th – Lilliann Gooch, Cass County; 7th – Guido Giarratana, Clinton County; 8th – Lorali Gilman, Callaway County; 9th – Blake Steen, Osage County; 10th – Brett Miller, Cass County. The top junior team represent Cass County. The 2nd place team was from Newton County and 3rd place from Andrew County.

Top senior competitors (ages 14-18): 1st – Alexis Reeves, Ray County; 2nd – Brynne Holtwick, Cass County; 3rd – Tannah Cassatt, Jasper County; 4th – Sydney Kleine, Buchanan County; 5th – Taylor Reeves, Ray County; 6th – Darcy Davis, Buchanan County; 7th – Kirsten Harris, Callaway County; 8th – Bailey Mills, Newton County; 9th – Delaney Duncan, Cass County; 10th – Harley Hook, Callaway County. The top senior team was the Tri-County team with youths from Buchanan and Ray counties. The 2nd place team was from Newton County and 3rd place from Callaway County. The Tri-County team will represent Missouri in a national contest.

As a result of their involvement in 4-H, Calvert said, 95% of youths responded they are seeking to learn more about agriculture, 97% consider themselves an advocate for the agriculture industry, 85% are seeking a career in agriculture, 85% feel they are educated consumers of agricultural products and 79% are comfortable sharing their knowledge of agriculture with others.

Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners. Major support for Missouri 4-H agriculture and natural resources programs is provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with Bass Pro Shops, Corteva Agriscience, Crader Distributing Co., FCS Financial, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Holstein Association, Eunice Campbell and Robert E. “Bud” Hertzog, D.V.M.

About 4-H

More than 55,000 members strong, Missouri 4-H is an active, dynamic organization of young people who are learning, growing and preparing to be the leaders of today and tomorrow – making a real difference in their community, country and world. 4-H is the youth development program of the University of Missouri and the nation’s Cooperative Extension System. For more information on Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.

Photo:

https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2023/20230404-4hh-1.jpg
Youths test their equine knowledge at the Missouri 4-H State Hippology Contest.