Claudia Baney, Extension Specialist

The 2017 Tennessee State 4-H Horse Bowl, Hippology, and Communications Con- tests were held February 24 and 25 at Brehm Animal Science Building on the cam- pus of the University of Tennessee.The 2017 contest marked the 24th year for the event, in which 184 Tennessee 4-H youth participated.

The Communications Contests (Public Speaking, Individual Presentation, and Team Presentation) allows senior (9th-12th grade) 4-H members to demonstrate their equine knowledge while also developing public speaking skills.The Hippology con- test allows 4-H youth to demonstrate skills they have learned in equine science, horse judging, and identification of horse related tack and equipment.The Horse Bowl contest challenges youth to learn scientific information about horse nutrition, reproduction, genetics, behavior, health, and management.

The top four teams from each division of each regional competition, held earlier in the year, were eligible to compete in the State Championships in Horse Bowl and Hippology. The 1st and 2nd placing finishers in all senior level events will be eligible to represent Tennessee at the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships in Perry, Ga. August 1-5, 2017. First place senior level winners will also be eligible to compete at the Eastern National 4-H Roundup in Louisville, Ky. in November.

Contest Results

Hippology Junior Individuals – 35 individuals competing

1. Rebecca Whitten, Sumner County
2. Josie Mansfield, Gibson County
3. Madie Mikesell, Blount County
4. Rose Goodwin, Lawrence County
5. Laurel Cox, Bedford County
6. Ava Rose, Gibson County
7. Elizabeth Spaller, Blount County
8. Baylee Otey, Lawrence County
9. Evelyn Jones, Putnam County
10. Brooklyn Knopp, Maury County

Hippology Junior High Teams – 12 total teams competing

1. Loudon County: Camille Phillips, Mart Marlino, Bethany Spangler, Lilly Hayes
2. Jefferson County: Madelyn Graf, Emma Flatt, Emma Turner, Rosey Brand
3. Blount County: Riley Summerall, Alison Morehouse, Zoe Jewell

Hippology Junior High Individuals – 40 individuals competing

1. Camille Phillips, Loudon County
2. Kellin Ferrell, Sumner County
3. Riley Summerall, Blount County
4. Kaia Chesbro, Williamson County
5. Brooke Ann Smith, Rutherford County
6. Annalee Smith, Lawrence County
7. Madeyln Graf, Jefferson County
8. Emma Flatt, Jefferson County
9. Mary Marlino, Loudon County
10. Josie Short, Sullivan County

Hippology Senior Teams – 12 Teams

1. Rutherford County: Charity Chandler, Anna Moore, Cara Moore, Rebecca Grace Stone
2. Madison County: Zach McCarver, Abby MaCalmon, Taylor Perry, Katherine Theirfelder
3. Blount County: Madeline Parr, Siena Spanyer, Rachel Ottinger

Junior Horse Bowl – 10 teams competing

1. Sumner County: Rebecca Whitten, Ella Graves, Elizabeth Shoecraft
2. Blount County: Stephen Labout, Madie Mikesell, Elizabeth Spaller
3. Bedford County: Molly Ralston, Laurel Cox, Gracie Herrod

Senior Horse Bowl – 11 teams competing

1. Blount County: Rachel Ottinger, Siena Spanyer, Madeline Parr, Lily Turaski
2. Madison County: Abby McCalmon, Taylor Perry, Zach McCarver, Katherine Thierfelder
3. Jefferson County: Emma Graf, JoBeth Scarlett, Caylee Baggett, Rachel Fields

This event would not be possible without the support of the many Extension agents, UT staff, volunteer leaders, and parents from throughout the state who coach 4-H members and assisted with running of both Regional and State level contests. Students from the University of Tennessee Equestrian Team, College of Veterinary Medicine, and Block and Bridle were among the dedicated volunteers that helped run the contests this year.

Thank you to everyone who made this year’s event possible and congratulations to all of our competitors and winners!