Several local 4-H youth represented South Dakota 4-H at the Western National Roundup in Denver, Colo. These outstanding individuals earned their spots at the event by placing at state 4-H competitions held throughout the summer. With team members situated in different areas of the state, the participants studied independently, held zoom calls, and even squeezed in some in-person practice during the holiday season.

Abby Kolousek of Wessington Springs, Cash Martinez of Emery, Bailey Fairbanks of Winner, and Elle Goehring of Parkston represented South Dakota in Hippology. Hippology is a competition that tests horse knowledge through an exam and hands-on stations, as well as judging various horse classes and solving a team problem. The team achieved the following placements: third in the Written Exam, fourth in the Stations, fourth in Judging, Reserve Champions in the Team Problem, and fourth overall as a team.

The SD 4-H Horse Judging Team proudly included Alexis Roesler of Wessington Springs, Paxton Dubbelde of Lennox, Anna Johnson of Aberdeen, and Lila Stutzman of Tabor. These students evaluated ten classes and provided four sets of reasons, resulting in a fifth place win in Halter, sixth place in Performance, a seventh place victory in Reasons, and an overall fourth place finish as a team.

The Western National Round Up Horse Classic includes speaking contests. Delaney Zoss of Forestburg was one such participant who earned her spot by placing first at the State 4-H Horse Show in July. Her talk on equine color genetics won her the Grand Champion title at the Western Round Up. “This has been a goal on my radar for a while and to accomplish it is very meaningful, especially since you only get one shot. Once you attend the Western National in a contest you can’t go back in that area again,” stated Zoss.

Another event that took place was the horse team demonstration, where Hope Baysinger and Bailey Feistner, both of Woonsocket, joined forces and secured their spot during the South Dakota 4-H Horse Show. Their talk on “If the Shoe Fits, Hooftastic Things Happen” earned them the Reserve Champion title at the Western National Round Up.

The combined efforts of all the horse competitors from South Dakota resulted in them taking home the 2024 National 4-H Horse Classic Western Division High Overall State Award. We applaud the hard work of these young individuals and commend their dedication and commitment towards their passion.

…See a picture in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal!