Spring is 4-H Competitive Events Season

The past few weeks have been very busy for 4-H members competing in the Area E 4-H Horse Show and District 9 Events.  The Area E 4-H Horse Show took place during the last weekend in April.  Pinellas County sent 30 riders to the show at the Equestrian Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds.  There were a full range of both English and Western classes in which the riders could compete including Dressage, Hunter, Ranch Trail, and Speed.  The miniature horses also had an opportunity to show. 

For Pinellas County, the three high point winners were  Lauren T., Olivia S., and Sharlee N. 

While the high point winners should be congratulated, all the participants were winners.  Just think of the life skills gained while organizing for the three day show.  The rider must pack feed, tack, paperwork, and supplies for the horse, as well as personal packing.  After checking in the horse, the stall needs to be prepared and items unpacked.  At the same time, the rider is thinking about the patterns in the classes yet to come. At the show itself, there will be successes and disappointments.  Whatever the result, the rider is expected to show good sportsmanship and be a good role model to others.

Of the 30 participants from Pinellas, over half will be advancing to the State Horse Show this summer.

District 9 Events

District Events is the next step after County Events.  All demonstration blue ribbon winners at County Events are allowed to compete at District level.  This year the event took place in Bartow.

There were 26 participants from Pinellas.  The high point and medallion winners and their categories are listed below.  Senior high point winners advance to State Congress in Gainesville.  Junior and Intermediate winners are awarded a scholarship to Camp Ocala.

Workforce Preparation  

Annelise and Michael V. (Int)         Lexa A. and Michaela P. (Sr)

Small Animals and Pets

Shannon P. (Jr)

Emily P. (Int)

Samantha R. (Sr)

Horse

Abby V. (Int)

Kristen V. (Sr)

Animal Industry

Emily V. (Sr)

Plant Connections

Max F. (Jr)

Share the Fun

Jared M. (Int)

Adison J. (Sr)

Evan J. (Sr)

Abby L. (Sr)

John R. (Sr)

Congratulations to all and many thanks to the leaders and parents for working with the 4-H'ers to help them reach their goals.