Burlington--4-H horse members from Chittenden County 4-H clubs met on April 14 at the University of Vermont (UVM) in Burlington for the annual Chittenden County 4-H Hippology Contest.

The 15 participants competed by age group, demonstrating their knowledge of horses through a written exam, slides (horse-related images), judging and information stations on breeds, riding attire, types of fencing and other topics. For the latter, they were evaluated on how well they understood the information. Scores from all phases of the competition were combined for an overall score and ranking.

In addition to winning rosette ribbons, the event provided practice for those 4-H'ers planning to compete at the 2023 State 4-H Hippology Contest, which will be held April 29 in Springfield.

Haileigh Demers, Westford, captured first place in the Senior Division (ages 14-18), followed by Emma Sibley, Georgia (second); Jenna Bennett, Highgate (third); and Kelsey Paradee, Swanton (fourth). Madison Trudell, Fairfax, placed first in the Junior Division (ages 12-13) and Sydney Gorton, Milton, second.

Several 4-H'ers competed in the Junior Division (ages 10-11). They placed as follows: Paityn Paradee, Swanton (first); Claire Romano, Fairfax (second); Graham Robinson, Underhill (third); Kinzi Grindle, St. Albans (fourth); Josephina Kascha-Hare, Milton (fifth); and Brighton Ducharme, Fairfax (sixth).

Nora Kidder, Cambridge, was the top scorer in the Junior Division (ages 8-9). Saige Prisco, Milton, came in second, and Ian Kascha-Hare, Milton, third.

The event was sponsored by UVM Extension 4-H in Chittenden County. Mary Fay, Westford, organized the event, with the assistance of adult volunteers who served as scorekeepers, runners and room monitors for the four phases of the contest. They were Stacey Bennett and Krista Paradee, both from Swanton; Martha Blades, Jericho; Jean Fay, Essex Junction; and Martha Manning, UVM Extension 4-H educator. Amanda Gifford, Fairfax, worked with the parents who volunteered to check the 4-H'ers' answers for each phase. 

To learn more about the 4-H horse program in Chittenden County, contact Martha Manning at (802) 656-7621 or martha.manning@uvm.edu.