Janet Kerr / Contributing writer
With over 60 members from 21 Alberta 4-H light horse clubs plus over 30 volunteer leaders on hand, the 2011 Provincial 4-H Horse Classic was a resounding success. Many new faces and clubs were evident at this year’s event held July 27 - 29 at Olds College. In its 17th year, the 4-H Horse Classic program attracted members from throughout the province.
“Horse Classic gives 4-H members enthusiastic about the equine project a chance to show their knowledge. The programming at Horse Classic actively develops 4-H members skills by testing horse knowledge and working on team and individual activities,” says Janet Kerr, 4-H specialist.
Some contests are designed for individuals and others for teams. Everyone who registered for the event was automatically entered in the hippology contest, which tested members’ equine knowledge through four phases - quizzes, judging, identification stations, and team problem.
The top four members—based on individual hippology points—qualified to represent Alberta at the Western Regional 4-H Horse Classic in Denver, Colorado in January, 2012. Stacy Berry from Warden 4-H, Stephanie Kinnee from Coaldale Equestrian, Jennifer Wrubleski from Lakedell 4-H Lighthorse and Cassandra Crick from Tees Wranglers are this year’s trip recipients.
Stacy Berry from Warden 4-H was the top category three member in the hippology contest. Top category two member was Megan Wanchuk from St. Paul Light Horse and Mackenzie Sorensen of the Big Valley Rusty Spurs was tops in category one.
The top category two / three hippology team consisted of Stacy Berry, Monique Uittenbogerd from Three Hills 4-H Wranglers, Megan Wanchuk of St. Paul Light Horse and Jonathan Wrubleski from Lakedell 4-H Lighthorse Club.
The top category one team included Taryn Kanngiesser from Blindman Lighthorse, Katie Miller from Lakedell 4-H Lighthorse, and Mackenzie Sorensen of the Big Valley Rusty Spurs.
In the horse bowl team final, Stacy Berry from Warden 4-H, Erin Kruisenga from Midnight Express, Erika Olsen from Ropes N’ Reins and Katelynn Wychopen from St. Paul Light Horse placed first. Kailey Bergmann from Big West Cruizers, Kjerstin Cooper from Neutral Hills Rodeo Wranglers, Cobie Snellen from Lakedell 4-H Lighthorse Club and Cassandra Crick from the Pincher Creek Tees Wranglers were runners up.
Print Marketing class winners were: Category One, Danae Chostner from Big Valley Rusty Spurs, Category Two, Shawni Lupaschuk from St. Paul Light Horse, and Category Three, Lauren Hughes from Calmar Heart of the Country.
Challenge marketing offered members the opportunity to test their marketing skills by preparing materials in advance to pitch their product to the judging panel. The winner of this competition was Monique Uittenbogerd of the Three Hills 4-H Wranglers.
Marketing competition winners were as follows: Category A was Katie Miller from Lakedell 4-H Lighthorse, Category B was from Brody Tattrie from Dryland 4-H Multi Club, Category C was Desiree Kelts from Neutral Hills Rodeo Wranglers and Category D was Holly Hughes from Calmar Heart of the County.