Burlington--Twelve Vermont 4-H teens have qualified to compete at the 2024 Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup this fall.

The 4-H’ers, all top individual scorers at state competitions, will compete on four-member teams in the hippology, judging and quiz bowl contests. They will be among the 300 competitors from more than 30 states at the November 8-9 event at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

The national roundup provides an opportunity for 4-H’ers, ages 14 to 18, to meet and compete against top competitors from across the country while also encouraging teamwork, critical thinking skills and self-confidence. Both team and individual excellence is rewarded.

Representing Vermont this year are:

• HIPPOLOGY: Elizabeth and Viola Brown, Vernon; Adriana Leonard, East Hardwick; and Renee Payton, Danville. Their coach is Jolene Fontaine, Jericho.
• JUDGING: Bella Kang, Milton; Molly Larrabee, West Danville; Amie Thurston, West Rutland; and Shyanne Wedge, Shoreham. Jessie Bachmann-Lertola, Ira, is the team’s coach.
• QUIZ BOWL: Hannah Gendreau, Shoreham; Kelsey Paradee, Swanton; Bella Shimel, Bridport; and Mikayla Tobey, Fairfax. Sue Ouimet, Castleton, is their coach.

To learn more about the Vermont 4-H horse program, contact Wendy Sorrell, UVM Extension livestock educator, at (802) 656-7641 or wendy.sorrell@uvm.edu.