Burlington--The 2024 State 4-H Hippology Contest was split into two separate locations and dates with 32 4-H’ers from nine counties participating.

The first phases of the competition--the written exam, slides and identification stations—took place on April 29 at the Danville School in Danville. Topics included breeds, colors, markings, teeth, the digestive system, types of fences and horse events, among others.

The 4-H’ers reconvened on May 5 in Colchester at the Destiny Morgan Farm for the judging phase, judging Sport Horse Morgans in Hand and Western Pleasure classes. For some participants, it was a busy day as they also competed in the annual State 4-H Judging Contest, judging additional classes at the same stable.

Rankings were:

  • JUNIORS (8 and 9): Saige Prisco, Milton (first); Aliyah Bradford, Addison (second); Thea Ross, St. Johnsbury (third); Ian Kascha-Hare, Milton (fourth); Abigail Clouatre, Danville (fifth)
  • JUNIORS (10 and 11): Nora Kidder, Cambridge (first); Avery Minor, Fairfax (second); Breeana Garcia, Woodsville, New Hampshire (third); Kelsey Davis, Clarendon (fourth); Jaida Jenkin, Wheelock (fifth); Josie Kascha-Hare, Milton (sixth); Kaylee Demars, St. Johnsbury (seventh); LeighAnn Judd, Wolcott (eighth); Madeline Cotter, East Concord (ninth)
  • JUNIORS (12 and 13): Emma Babyak, Fairfax (first); Carlie Rondeau, Coventry (second); Jane Curry, Burlington (third); Elyse Thurber, Bellows Falls (fourth); Aleigha Riendeau (fifth) and Tyley McClelland (sixth), both from Vernon; Tessa Buskey, North Ferrisburgh (seventh); Jacqueline Lear, Bath, New Hampshire (eighth); Kiera Klos-Schiavoni, Littleton, New Hampshire (ninth); Aubrie Houle, Vernon (tenth)
  • SENIORS (14 to 18): Britney Zager, Gill, Massachusetts (first); Tieghan Perry, Danville (second); Elizabeth Brown, Vernon (third); Molly Larrabee, West Danville (fourth); Amie Thurston, Clarendon (fifth); Viola Brown, Vernon (sixth); Addison Tomasi, Milton (seventh); Adriana Leonard, East Hardwick (eighth)

Assisting Wendy Sorrell, University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H livestock educator, were Martha Blades, Jericho; Stephanie Davis, Clarendon; Jean Fay, Essex; Mary Fay, Westford; Jolene Fontaine, Jericho; Amanda Gifford, Fairfax; Melissa Judd, Wolcott; Liane Kascha-Hare, Milton; JoAnne Perry, Danville; Kate Stone, St. Johnsbury; and Tina Tomasi, Milton.

The hippology contest was sponsored by UVM Extension 4-H and is just one of many state horse events for 4-H horse members every year. To learn more, call (802) 656-7641 or email wendy.sorrell@uvm.edu.