4-H Area E Horse Show - Not Just Horsin' Around

The results this year at Area E were the best Pinellas County 4-H'ers have ever earned. Of the 30 exhibitors, 15 are advancing to the state show in July. It was not so long ago that Pinellas did not have 15 riders to send to the area show and now we are advancing 15! The top point earners were Jade Baranich, Sara Poppleton, and Amanda Benedict. Also advancing are Megan Jones, Emily Reiter, Olivia Toccalino, Kristen Venable, Eliza Cappello, Shelby Comerford, Jenna Kijowski, Carol Nunez, Lauren Tribiano, Deanna Van Riper, Morgan Wright, and Celine Frings.

These 4-H members represent 7 different clubs and show how strong the 4-H horse program is in Pinellas County. While these 4-H'ers worked hard for their success, they benefited from the strong support of their parents and 4-H leaders. 4-H horse leaders and volunteers spend an incredible amount of time and energy with their club members. They freely dispense their knowledge, wisdom, and expertise so a child can experience the benefits and joy of working with a horse.

Of course, there is more to the 4-H horse program than riding in a show.

According to Dr. Ed Johnson, "The purpose of the 4-H horse program is to provide young people an opportunity to participate in a series of activities designed to improve citizenship, sportsmanship, character, competitive spirit, discipline, and responsibility while creating an atmosphere for learning and awareness of the life about us."
(Taken from Florida 4-H Area & State Horse Shows Official Rules 2011).

As it is with any 4-H program, 4-H members learn citizenship, leadership, and life skills. Best of all, they learn these skills while learning about something they love.

If any Pinellas 4-H families have pictures to share from Area E, please send them or the link to jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org to be posted.