Did you know that 50% of our Oceana County 4-H Horse Development Committee members are youth? These youth plan our horse events throughout the year. There is plenty of learning, but there is also plenty of fun, laughter and friendship.
One of the special events within our program is the Kaitlynn Scott Memorial Show, with the Saturday horse competition named in Kaitlynn's memory.
This year marks seven years since Kaitlynn and her father Eric’s passing. Time does not take away the feeling of missing them or the impact they have had on their family and those who knew them.
Kaitlynn's love for animals and her devotion to her mules, Sam and Fritz, were a huge part of who she was. Her compassion for animals, determination and pursuit of excellence left a lasting impression on the people around her. Her generosity and commitment motivated her teammates to reach for higher goals, and her infectious laughter and radiant smile remain part of the memories shared by those who loved her.
The memorial show is one way our horse community continues to honor that legacy.
It reminds us to live with purpose, to nurture the people who lift us up, to extend compassion to the animals that enrich our lives and to pursue the things we love with courage and determination.
Kaitlynn's memory continues to be a part of this program, and the Saturday competition gives us an opportunity each year to celebrate the things she loved while bringing our horse community together.
A Year of Success in Hippology and Horse Judging
Two of the biggest accomplishments for our horse program this year have come through our Hippology and Horse Judging teams.
Our Senior Novice Horse Judging Team earned 1st Place Overall Team, and they also earned 1st Place Overall Reasons. Our Junior Novice Horse Judging Team placed 2nd Overall. These accomplishments demonstrate not only the youth's ability to evaluate horses, but also their ability to communicate clearly and explain the reasoning behind their decisions.
Horse judging is an excellent opportunity for youth who love horses but may not necessarily have a horse of their own. Participants learn to evaluate conformation, movement and performance while developing the ability to confidently explain why they placed horses in a particular order.
Our Hippology teams have also had an incredible year. Our Senior Hippology Team earned 1st Place Overall, and our Junior Hippology Team also had a tremendous showing, placing 2nd Overall.
In November, our Senior Hippology Team will travel to Louisville to compete at Eastern Nationals during NAILE. For these youth, this is about much more than a competition. It is an opportunity to represent their county, meet other 4-H youth from across the country, test the knowledge they have worked so hard to develop and experience a national-level event.
There are Many Opportunities to Get Involved
When one looks at our Oceana County 4-H Horse Program, they see youth supporting one another every step of the way, and most importantly, they see a program that is growing and creating opportunities for more youth.
If you are interested in joining one of our 4-H horse clubs, becoming part of our Horse Judging or Hippology Team, or volunteering with our program, I would love to hear from you. Please reach out to the Oceana County 4-H office and find your place in our growing horse community, by calling (231) 873-2129 or emailing wassonj3@msu.edu.
