940 Youth Compete in PA State Horse Show

The 48th annual Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show was held October 12, 13 and 14 at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA, with more than 940 youth from over 60 counties participating. More than 1040 horses competed in 49 performance and 79 production classes.

The state show is the final competition of the year for 4-H horse club members enrolled in performance and production projects. 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, showmanship, equitation, pleasure, jumping, driving, western riding, trail, county team, pleasure pairs and timed events. A therapeutic riding division for riders with disabilities is also included. Results and photos of the show are available on the Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Program website at: www.das.psu.edu - click on 4-H Programs, horses, events results, and 2007 state show results.

 All performance class winners and pleasure futurity class winners in the show were awarded halters and leads donated by Perri's Leather of Lincoln University, Pennsylvania. All exhibitors received fly spray donated by Pyranha. Champions in all production classes received gift bags from Farnam, Inc. In addition, a randomly selected participant in every performance class received a gift donated by many horse show supporters. Several sponsors donated items for the silent auction with proceeds to benefit the 4-H horse program. Harris Leather donated a show saddle pad which was the high selling item in the silent auction. Show management and participants appreciate the continued support and generous donation from Perri's Leather and contributions from all show sponsors.

 Heather Clark, Sligo, Venango County, the 2007 4-H Horse Program Outstanding Member, was presented a custom tack trunk, donated by Allensville Planing Mill, Allensville, PA, during the Recognition Ceremony.  A member of the Venango County Riding Proud Club and Venango Co. County 4-H Council, Heather is active in many 4-H projects and activities and has served as various club officers, including President. Her activities include: Venango County Fair, Ethics and Quality Assurance Workshop, 4-H Photo Contest, 4-H Poster Contest, Teen Leader Meetings, Super Club Competition, Annual 4-H Dance, 4-H Kick-off Party, 4-H Capitol Days, Western Region Mid Atlantic Alliance of Cooperatives, Ambassador Training, Annual Sustainable Agriculture Conference, Regional Production Shows, State Horse Show, and State 4-H Achievement Days. She is a high school senior at Clarion Area High School.

 Five outstanding member award finalists were presented halters and leads donated by Tory Leather Company of Williamsport, PA and gift certificates donated by Hoy's Awards and Trophies, C & M Distributors and Dac Vitamins and Minerals. The finalists are: Shelly Fairchild, Lancaster County; Lenna Hildebrand, York County; Jenifer McAndrew, Clearfield County; Leslie Pavolko, Erie County; and, Elizabeth Watson, Chester County. 

 The 4-H Horse Program recognized four 4-H members for passing Level 4 of the Horsemanship Skills Program and four members for passing Level 3 of the Horsemanship Skills Program. The youth who were recognized for passing Level 4 were: Jessica Shaw, Wyoming County; Daniel Steed, Allegheny County; Brandy Fuller, Columbia County; and,Jason Zang, Butler County. The 4-H members recognized for passing Level 3 were: Taylor Nedurian Columbia County; Alexis Nedurian Columbia County; Jodi Lenhart, Westmoreland County; and, Lindsey Androstic, Westmoreland County. 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 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.

 The Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Program is proud to have many outstanding volunteers. This year Dr. Scott McAllister, VMD was presented with the Outstanding Service Award. Dr. McAllister is the owner of Centre Equine Practice in Centre Hall, Pennsylvania. He has provided veterinary care for horses in several counties for over 25 years in his well-respected equine practice. Scott is a faithful and dedicated supporter of the 4-H Horse Program and has served as the state show veterinarian since 1985. He has been the veterinary judge for the state 4-H competitive trail ride since 1988 and is involved in numerous Penn State and 4-H activities. Dr. McAllister freely shares his time and expertise to educate youth and promote excellence in the 4-H Horse Program.  

Over 20 Equine Educational Exhibits were on display throughout the show for 4-H youth to demonstrate acquired horsemanship knowledge, and were judged on equine related facts and educational content. The overall grand champion was Lancaster County which was awarded a perpetual trophy donated by Hoy's Trophies and Awards of Export, PA. A perpetual trophy, also donated by Hoy's Trophies and Awards, was awarded to the overall grand champion in the category of Good Housekeeping. This year's recipient of the Grand Champion award was Blair County.

In addition to the performance and production classes, the 9th Annual State 4-H Model Horse Show was held on Saturday. The Model Horse Show provides a means for youth to learn and perfect the hobby of collecting and showing model horses, while also learning about horse breeds, history, tack, equipment and related horse information. The model show is an opportunity for youth that may not be able to own and show live horses to participate in the show and learn more about the horse industry.

There are over 6,200 4-H horse projects involving youth throughout Pennsylvania. These programs are designed to develop life skills in youth and knowledge of horse production, use, and management. The program promotes development of horsemanship skills, while encouraging responsibility, self-confidence, sportsmanship, and responsible care of project animals. 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 - click on 4-H programs, then horses.