Burlington--The State 4-H Hippology Contest took part on two separate days and venues this year. Thirty-two 4-H'ers took part with the top 10 in each age division earning a rosette ribbon.

The first phases of the 2023 competition--the written exam, slides and identification stations--were held on April 29 at River Valley Technical Center in Springfield. The judging phase took place on May 7 at Aspen East Stable in Jericho where the 4-H'ers judged two classes, Hunter in Hand and Ranch Pleasure. Many of these youths also competed in the annual State 4-H Judging Contest, held at the same stable on the same day.

Placements were as follows:

  • JUNIORS (8 and 9): Nora Kidder, Cambridge (first); Saige Prisco (second) and Ian Kascha-Hare (third), both from Milton; Isla Beattie, Danville (fourth); Taylor Daniels, Fair Haven (fifth)
  • JUNIORS (10 and 11):  Josie Kascha-Hare, Milton (first); Alexandria Ryan, Hubbardton (second); Graham Robinson, Underhill (third); Jaida Jenkin, Wheelock (fourth); Maddie Murphy, Bethel (fifth);  Rianna Bagalio, Randolph Center (sixth); Mackynzie Tattersall, West Burke (seventh); Kinzie Grindle, St. Albans (eighth); Ava McConnell, Randolph (ninth); Breeana Garcia, Woodsville, New Hampshire (tenth)
  • JUNIORS (12 and 13): Madison Trudell, Fairfax (first); Aleigha Riendeau, Vernon (second); Charlotte Thompson, Ira (third); Addison Erickson, Florence (fourth)
  • SENIORS (14 to 18): Haileigh Demers, Westford (first); Emma Sibley, Georgia (second); Shyanne Wedge, Shoreham (third); Tieghan Perry, Danville (fourth); Jenna Bennett, Swanton (fifth); Seanna Erickson, Florence (sixth); Viola Brown, Vernon (seventh); Natalie Jackman, Vergennes (eighth); Elizabeth Gamble, Peacham (ninth); Marianna Webb, Vergennes (tenth); Hannah Gendreau, Shoreham (eleventh); Addie Ploof, Westford (twelfth); Cassie Hill, Vernon (thirteenth)

The event was sponsored by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H. Assisting the event coordinator, Mary Fay of Westford, and Wendy Sorrell, UVM Extension 4-H livestock educator, were Martha Blades and Jolene Fontaine, both from Jericho; Jean Fay, Essex Center; Jaimie Grindle, St. Albans; and Kate Stone, St. Johnsbury.

For more information on the Vermont 4-H horse program, call (802) 656-7641 or email wendy.sorrell@uvm.edu.