Rowan County 4-H’s Junior Team placed first in the West Central District 4-H Horse Bowl Contest, which qualified them for state level competition.
Two teams from each of the six Cooperative Extension districts gathered at North Carolina A&T State University on March 5 for the North Carolina 4-H Horse Quiz Bowl and Hippology Contests.
Rowan County won the junior level competition. The team, coached by Dr. Ann Furr, consisted of members Hannah Barringer, Luke Barringer, Erin Christner, Micah Furr and Noah Reid. Furr was reserve high point individual in the horse bowl competition and Christner placed sixth in individual high point honors.
This contest allows 4-H members to use their knowledge of horses and related subject matter to compete on a four-member team. They display their knowledge in a competitive and friendly atmosphere.
Teams are divided according to age into three categories: junior, mixed, with both junior and senior members, and senior.
To qualify to attend district level quiz bowl competition, each team must compose and submit 35 questions. The questions must be obtained from resources on an approved reference list for quiz bowl and must include the reference book and page number for each question. Each question must contain a key word that describes the question.
Questions submitted can be about the N.C. 4-H program, evolution and zoological scheme, equine reproduction, equine genetics, light horse breeds, pony breeds, horse markings, skeletal system, teeth, showmanship and halter, and conformation. They can also include fitting and grooming of horses, gaits of the horse, training, external parts of the horse, safety, diseases, housing and environment, tack and more.
The North Carolina 4-H Hippology Contest was also held that day. Hippology means the study of the horse. In this contest, youth blend their knowledge and skills acquired in horse judging, quiz bowl, public speaking, presentations and showing to answers questions during a two-hour written exam.
Participating in this contest allows youth to compete for the Junior and Senior Horseman of the Year Awards.
Rowan County placed third overall in the contest and Christner and Furr were in the top 10 individuals in the contest.
To prepare for the quiz bowl and hippology contests, youth spend hours of studying on their own as well as practicing as a whole group.
All youth on the Rowan County 4-H Junior team are members of the East Equine Explorers 4-H Club. The club organized in May 2009 and is under the leadership of Ann Furr, with assistance from many parents and local businesses.
Sara Drake is an extension agent in 4-H Youth Development.