4-H youth from Mower County participated in the Minnesota 4-H State Horse show Sept. 13-16, 2024. This year, over 680 youth from across the state participated in the annual event at the Minnesota State Fair. 4-H’ers demonstrate their skills and knowledge in hippology (showing knowledge and understanding of equine science and husbandry), horse judging (study of an animal, measuring it against an accepted ideal), horse training and achievement, speech and demonstrations about interest in horses or the horse industry, showmanship and drill team skills. Youth who participate in the Minnesota 4-H Horse Project learn about show, trail, and endurance riding; test their horse knowledge at quiz bowls or on judging teams, and study horse science. Youth may participate if they own or lease a horse. There are even options for youth who are interested in horses, but don’t have access to one in their community. “Through the Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show, youth build communications skills, gain deeper learning and interest in horses, and build relationships with caring adults,” said Renee Kostick, Extension Educator who manages the 4-H horse project in Minnesota. “These experiences contribute to their success in school, community, and futures.” The following youth were members of the Mower County delegation: Trey Anderson Second place – Hunt Seat Pleasure, Grade 13 Sixth place – Showmanship – Western, Grades 13 Third place – Western Pleasure, Grade 13 Fourth place – Western Horsemanship, Grade 13 Gloria Bergstrom Sixth place – Poles, Grade 7 First place – Key Race, Grade 7 Halle Burke Sixth place – Hunt Seat Pleasure, Grade 9 Seventh place – Western Horsemanship, Grade 9 Fifth place – Ranch Pleasure, Grade 6-9 Erika Hollerud Fourth place – Poles, Grade 9 Eighth place – Barrels, Grade 9 Lauren Irvin Second place – Jumping Figure 8, Grade 10 Senior Horse Interview Finalist Brody Sampson Sixth place – Miniature Horse Showmanship, Grade 6-8 Fifth place – Miniature Horse Costume, Grade 6-8 Ty Sampson Eighth place – Showmanship – Western, Grades 10 Nevaeh Slowinski First place – Miniature Horse Driving Obstacle, Grade 6-8 Third place – Miniature Horse, Costume Grade 6-8 Amy Smith First place – Miniature Horse Costume, Grade 9+ Clara Thompson First place – Training Step 5 Sixth place – Showmanship – Western, Grades 11 Sixth place – Western Horsemanship, Grade 11 Second place – Miniature Horse Showmanship Gr. 9+ Second place – Miniature Horse Obstacle at Hand Gr. 9+ Fifth place – Miniature Horse Hunter Gr. 9+ Fifth place – Miniature Horse Jumper Gr. 9+ Second place – Miniature Horse  Driving Gr. 9 Second place – Miniature Horse Liberty Gr. 9+ Fourth place – Miniature Horse Costume Gr. 9+ Senior Horse Interview Winner Liam Thompson Fourth place – Miniature Horse Showmanship, Gr. 6-8 Second place – Miniature Horse Hunter, Gr. 6-8 Second place – Miniature Horse Driving Obstacle, Gr. 6-8 First place – Miniature Horse Driving, Gr. 6-8 Third place – Miniature Horse Liberty, Gr. 6-8 Full results can be found on the Minnesota 4-H Horse Project website at https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-showcase-events/minnesota-4-h-state-horse-show. The post Mower County 4-H’ers participate in Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show appeared first on Austin Daily Herald.