New Haven--Competitors in the 2022 Vermont 4-H Horse Show couldn't have asked for nicer weather as it was nothing but sunny, blue-sky days for the July 8-10 event.

The annual show, sponsored by University of Vermont Extension 4-H, was held at the Addison County Fair and Field Days site in New Haven. It attracted more than 50 4-H'ers from 10 Vermont 4-H clubs, who collectively competed in almost 100 English and Western classes as well as fitting and showmanship and other events.

Madeline Langlois, Westford, was named the 4-H Showmanship Champion for placing first overall in fitting and showmanship. The Reserve 4-H Showmanship Champion went to Paityn Paradee, Swanton. Both girls won their respective fitting and showmanship divisions with the top two from each division (Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Junior and Senior) competing for the championship. 

The 4-H Division winners (based on highest overall combined score from fitting and showmanship, judging, quiz bowl and the 4-H project class) were:

  • BEGINNER: Champion--Paityn Paradee, Swanton; Reserve Champion--Katie Comerford-Joyce, Burlington
  • ADVANCED BEGINNER: Champion--Jasmine Akley, Vernon; Reserve Champion--Seanna Erickson, Florence
  • JUNIOR (8-13): Champion--Emma Sibley, St. Albans; Reserve Champion--Adaline Ploof, Westford
  • SENIOR (14-18): Champion--Jenna Bennett, Swanton; Reserve Champion--Allessandra Hoffman, Milton. For earning the senior championship, Jenna also received the Paul Quinn Memorial Award, which honors a late equine photographer who was a staunch supporter of the state 4-H horse program and show.

ENGLISH DIVISION (based on combined scores in equitation, trail, pleasure and either road hack or hunter under saddle classes):

  • JUNIOR (8-13): Champion--Madeline Langlois, Westford; Reserve Champion--Emma Sibley, St. Albans
  • SENIOR (14-18): Champion--Vivienne Babbott, Hinesburg; Reserve Champion--Allessandra Hoffman, Milton

WESTERN DIVISION (based on combined scores from equitation, trail, performance and pleasure classes) were:

  • Champion--Ella Dubin, Northfield, Massachusetts; Reserve Champion--Britney Zager, Gill, Massachusetts

GYMKHANA (speed pattern racing and timed games on horseback):

  • BEGINNER (first-time competitor): Champion--Sydney Gorton, Milton; Reserve--Katie Comerford-Joyce, Burlington
  • JUNIOR (8-13): None
  • SENIOR (14-18): Champion--Jenna Bennett, Swanton; Reserve Champion--Haileigh Demers, Westford

SMALL EQUINE (miniature horse or small pony shown in hand):

  • Champion--Adaline Ploof, Westford

Championships also were awarded to the top beginners (walk/trot) and advanced beginners, riding either English or Western. Winners were determined by combining each individual's placements from designated classes.

  • BEGINNER: Champion--Paityn Paradee, Swanton; Reserve Champion: Micah Burdo, St. Albans
  • ADVANCED BEGINNER: Champion--Jasmine Akley, Vernon; Reserve Champion--Elizabeth Gamble, West Danville

Several special awards also were presented at the show:

  • Dressage High Point Award: Seanna Erickson, Florence
  • Designated Hitter High Point 4-H Champion (overall high points in the 4-H Division): Emma Sibley, St. Albans
  • Jim Wallace Memorial Pleasure Class Award (top finisher in this class): Britney Zager, Gill, Massachusetts
  • Melissa Issler Alumni Equitation Class for 4-H alumni: Kassidy Wyman, Cambridgeport
  • Marci Mac plaque (winner of the versatility class): Madeline Langlois, Westford
  • The Whispering Pines 4-H Club of Westford won both the 4-H Club Award (club with the highest combined scores in the 4-H Division) and 4-H Club Class. For the latter competition, two or more members of a club present a short riding program that is evaluated on the originality, style and their ability to perform well together.

To learn more about the UVM Extension 4-H Horse Program, contact Wendy Sorrell, UVM Extension 4-H livestock educator, at (802) 651-8343, ext. 513.