The Oceana County Fairgrounds were once again filled with the sounds of laughter, neighs, learning and fun during this year’s 2025 Oceana 4-H Horse Camp and Kaitlynn Scott Memorial Open Youth Horse Show, held July 10-12. The grounds served as the perfect backdrop for what became a heartfelt weekend of growth, connection and honoring the legacy of a young 4-H member whose spirit still inspires.
There were 26 Oceana County 4-H horse members and 10 volunteers who participated in this year’s horse camp, which was wrapped up on Saturday, July 12, with the annual open and youth horse show. "Thanks to the continued generosity of the Oceana County Fairgrounds, our 4-H program was able to host these events in a space that feels like home to so many of our families," Oceana 4-H Program Coordinator Jennifer Payne said. "It’s partnerships like this that allow us to continue offering meaningful opportunities to youth in our community.
"Camp got started on Thursday the way any good horse camp should, with everyone rolling up their sleeves and pitching in. Before anyone could ride or learn a new skill, there was work to be done. Zack Hintz brought his team of Haflingers to help work up the arena while the 4-H members went to work pulling weeds and picking rocks. Starting camp this way set the tone, that this is a place where everyone helps and where hard work always comes before the blue ribbons."
The afternoon brought fun and lighthearted competition on horseback through classic games like Simon Says, egg and spoon and Ride a Buck. These activities help young riders build confidence and bond with their horses in low-pressure moments. Farrier Patrick McCarry joined the group for an educational demonstration on hoof care, walking youth through safe handling, trimming and identifying common issues. A hands-on skill station gave participants a chance to test their farrier tool knowledge, with a couple winners walking away with brand-new lead ropes.
Friday, July 11, began with focused learning led by Michigan 4-H’s State Horse Educator David Lindsay, who is a respected horse show judge. Through a combination of a showmanship clinic and a Horse Judging 101 session, Lindsay helped participants understand what judges look for in both pattern work and conformation. Youth judged stock horses, ponies, drafts and pleasure horses, sharpening their eyes and building skills they can take into any future competitions like the State Horse Show Judging Contest or Hippology Contest.
The afternoon brought saddles back into the arena for equitation practice, with riders working through patterns and learning common faults and fixes. But it wasn’t all serious work. Friday evening was all about fun, with teams tackling a scavenger hunt around the fairgrounds and competing in off-horse games like hobby horsing over jumps, sack races, musical chairs and three-legged races. Lillian Bennett and her family led a leathercraft project where participants created their own keychains and bracelets, learning to stain, paint, and stamp designs into the leather.
Friday night’s dinner carried special meaning. In memory of Kaitlynn Scott, a beloved 4-H member lost too soon, her family sponsored pizza for all the camp participants. "Kaitlynn’s presence is still deeply felt in our program," Payne said. "Her kindness, her passion for horses and her willingness to help others are qualities we see reflected in so many of our county youth today."
McCarry Clydesdales provided a mare named Hallie who powered Hintz Farm’s old-fashioned ice cream churn to the delight of everyone in attendance. Everyone lined up for a scoop of homemade ice cream, with some opting for classic root beer floats.
Saturday’s Kaitlynn Scott Memorial Open Youth Horse Show featured jumping and speed events, with something new this year: cart and driver classes were added to four speed events, bringing a new energy and highlighting the versatility of the program's equine partners. Youth, families and volunteers celebrated every rider’s effort, whether they placed first or simply tried something new.
High point winners for the show were as follows:
• Walk/Trot/Canter ages 8-19: Lillian Wasson
• Cart and Driver: Zack Hintz
• Walk/Trot 19 and under: Lillian Bennett
• Walk/Trot/Canter 20 and up: Shannon Knapp
What stood out most throughout the weekend wasn’t the ribbons or the points, but the support participants showed for one another. It was the younger riders looking up to the older ones, the volunteers giving their time to make it all possible and the shared laughter over melted ice cream and goofy games.
Reflections from those who participated tell the story best. Molly Bennett shared, “Busy last couple days at 4-H camp. Ended today with fun games and a jumping competition. Lillian did great! So proud! Great memories made.”
Whitney Hintz added, “We want to give a huge thank you to everyone that made this weekend possible… Jennifer Payne, Kim Adkins and Medley Hill Farm definitely gave a boy the time of his life this weekend. Thank you so much for loving our boys.”
McCarry expressed what so many felt: “It’s great to see the youth enjoy their horses. I had a great time and look forward to next year.”
"If you’re wondering what 4-H truly is, look no further than weekends like this. It’s the coming together of people who believe in hard work, in giving kids opportunities to grow, and in the simple joy of sharing time with friends. It’s learning, laughing, competing and lifting each other up," Payne explained. "It’s honoring the past, embracing the present and building a future rooted in kindness, responsibility and community. That’s the heart of 4-H. And we are always ready to welcome anyone who wants to be part of it."
If anyone is interested in joining 4-H or becoming a 4-H volunteer, please contact Payne at wassonj3@msu.edu or call the Oceana MSU Extension office at 231-873-2129.
