BARTON – Area 4-Hers and their horses camped overnight at the Orleans County Fairgrounds in Barton, June 21-23, for the Northeast Regional 4-H Horsemanship Clinic.
The annual event is designed to provide a learning environment for young 4-Hers to learn about horses and improve their riding and horsemanship skills. It was sponsored by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H in Caledonia, Essex and Orleans Counties.
The weekend agenda included fitting and showmanship lessons, English riding and jumping lessons and classes, Western riding lessons, drill team practice and general knowledge competitions. At the Sunday afternoon horse show, which included more than 30 individual classes, the young equestrians demonstrated what they learned for family and friends.
Activities also were planned for 4-H Cloverbuds, ages 5 to 7, and participants without horses. They took part in craft activities, a scavenger hunt and workshops on horse care and leading.
Throughout the weekend, the 4-H clubs were evaluated on the cleanliness of their stall and stable area including decorations, tidiness of tack room and condition of tack.
Among local 4-Hers placing first in their respective fitting and showmanship classes were Adriana Leonard, East Hardwick (Advanced Beginner.
Top placements in the 4-H project classes included Advanced Beginner 4-H Project, LeighAnn Judd, Wolcott (second).
General Knowledge (gold, silver and bronze medal awards for first through third) included Seniors (14 and older) Adriana Leonard, East Hardwick (gold); Juniors (10 and 11) LeighAnn Judd, Wolcott (gold),
4-H leaders Kristi Acheson, North Troy; Miranda Achilles, Waterford; Jillan Dargie, Danville; Jonathan Franko, Lyndonville; Sonia Koehler, Newport; Melissa Morin, Wolcott; and Amanda Turgeon, St. Johnsbury; and several parents assisted with the clinic.
