Jefferson County residents compete in Equine Extravaganza

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach held a three-day Equine Extravaganza at the Ellsworth Community College Equestrian Center in Iowa Falls April 14-16. The Iowa 4-H Youth Development Program helped organize this event for nearly 120 youth in grades 3-12.

Jefferson County residents Nicole Robb and Payton Freeman received several awards during the competition.

“This event allowed youth to showcase and demonstrate their knowledge of equine-related subject matters in various competitions and participatory where attitudes of friendliness and fairness prevail,” said Lisa Berkland, 4-H youth development specialist.

“Depending on the event, youth could choose to participate both individually and as part of a team,” explained Peggy Auwerda, equine specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “Team events assist youth with the development of social skills, cooperation, integrity and sportsmanship as they become comfortable working alongside others toward a common goal.”

In the competitions, 105 youth in grades 4-12 participated. Competitions included hippology, horse judging, horse quiz bowl, presentations and public speaking. In the participatory events, 23 youth in grades 3-12 provided 46 horseless horse items for evaluation. Participatory events included creative writing, digital storytelling, woodworking, 3-D art, scrapbooking, poster, painting, drawing, photography and model horse.

Jefferson County Winners:

Junior Hippology - Individual

4th – Jefferson County: Peyton Freeman

Accessories/Clothes/Crafts/3-D Art/Other/Woodworking

Juniors:

2nd – Jefferson County: Payton Freeman

Drawing

Seniors:

1st – Jefferson County: Nicole Robb

Photography

Juniors:

2nd – Jefferson County: Payton Freeman