The Regional 4-H Hippology contest was recently held in Albany County and coordinated by Rensselaer County Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE). Hippology is a competitive event that tests 4-H member’s horse industry knowledge through horse judging, a written exam, equipment identification and interactive stations on feeds, diseases, physiology, breeds and uses. This region encompasses 9 counties in the Capital District area.
Thanks go out to our Rensselaer County Coach Megan Kunz as well as the many volunteers from across the region who assisted with the facilitation of the contest. Many practices and homework assignments were given in the past three months getting members ready for the event.
Rensselaer County had two teams compete, a Junior and Senior Team including 6 Rensselaer County 4-H members. The Junior Team consisted of Kayla Brooks of Mechanicville, Kerry Judge of Troy and Olivia Logue of Johnsonville. The Juniors placed fifth as a team and Olivia placed fourth individually in the Junior Division. The Senior Team consisted of Morgan Kunz and Kaley Green both of Averill Park and Courtney Luskin of Valley Falls. The Seniors placed fourth as a team and Courtney and Morgan placed seventh and ninth individually in the Senior Division. Both Courtney and Olivia have earned seats on the Regional 4-H Hippology Team for Seniors and Juniors respectively and will represent the region at the State contest held in conjunction with the New York State Fair.
This event always allows a great venue for challenging youth to sharpen their teamwork skills as well as their horse industry knowledge. Another benefit to the event is providing an environment where youth from different counties can get to know each other and start developing life long networks. For information about this and other 4-H Programs contact your respective Cornell Cooperative Extension office. Agriculture and Life.