New Haven--Horse-savvy 4-H'ers had a chance to demonstrate their knowledge of all things equine in a fast-paced state horse quiz bowl competition, July 7.

The annual event, held in conjunction with the state 4-H horse show this year, took place at the Addison County Fair and Field Days site in New Haven. It was sponsored by University of Vermont Extension 4-H and open to all interested Vermont 4-H club members, not just those enrolled in the horse project. More than 30 4-H'ers participated, with rosette ribbons awarded to the 10 highest individual scorers in each age group.

Winners in the Senior Division (14 and up) were Chloe Barewicz, Jericho (first); Katherine Heath, Bristol (second); Vivienne Babbott, Hinesburg (third); Haileigh Demers, Westford (fourth); Tucker Murdough, Essex Junction (fifth); Greta Friesan, Hinesburg (sixth); Meghan Clark, Guilford (seventh); Jasmine Akley, Vernon (eighth); Emma Reen, Lincoln (ninth); and Savana Kirby, Orwell (tenth).

Younger 4-H'ers competed in the Junior Division, which was divided into two groups, based on age. Top contenders were:

Juniors (11-13): Jillian Murdough, Essex Junction (first); Annabel Carson, South Londonderry (second); Addie Ploof, Westford (third); Logan Claypool, Milton (fourth); Piper Thompson, Hinesburg (fifth); Seanna Erickson, Florence (sixth); Rose Ouimet, Castleton (seventh); Emma Cater, Colchester (eighth); Samantha Provost, Milton (ninth); Charlotte Thompson, Castleton (tenth)

Juniors (8-10):  Ivy Lea-Simons, Shelburne (first); Giselle Fenoff, Danville (second); Paityn Paradee, Swanton (third); Addison Erickson, Florence (fourth)

Grace Parks, Essex, and Faith Ploof, Westford, competed in a special division against the top four individual high scorers in the contest. Both Grace and Faith were members of past state quiz bowl teams that took part in national competitions so were ineligible to officially compete in this year's state contest.   

Grace also served as moderator for the Junior Division competitions. The other moderators were adult 4-H volunteers Julia Adams, Shrewsbury, the state 4-H horse quiz bowl coach, and Amanda Gifford, Fairfax.

To learn more about the Vermont 4-H horse program, contact the State 4-H office at (802) 651-8343 or (800) 571-0668 (toll-free in Vermont).