OREGON, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people passionate about horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed characteristics, management, and feeding. That knowledge and skills were tested during the State 4-H Hippology Contest held on April 13 on the University of Illinois campus.
In hippology, youths are asked a wide range of questions, ranging from breed identification, anatomy, tack identification, and feed samples to disease management, parasite identification, and quality assessment. They also are given a timed problem-solving challenge they must solve on the spot in front of a panel of judges. Horse ownership is not a prerequisite in either educational programs or contests.
Ogle County Hippology team members did a great job! Intermediate Hippology results, 4th place was Addison Yordy, and 11th place was Adalyn Bocker. Junior Hippology results: 5th place was Addison Diehl, 6th place was Lily Hongsermeier, and 18th place was Kenzie Hongsermeier.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
For Further Information, Contact:
Source: Deb Hagstrom, University of Illinois Extension Specialist, Horses hagstrom@illinois.edu
Photo: Ogle County 4-H Hippology team members, L to R: Kenzie Hongsermeier, Adalyn Bocker, Addison Diehl, Addison Yordy, and Lily Hongsermeier
Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. Illinois Extension is part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.