The State 4-H Horse Panorama is held at Rock Springs Ranch and members participate in several activities, including hippology, that can enhance learning for 4-H members by letting them exhibit their knowledge and understanding of equine science. Participants were able to share their knowledge through the hippology contest, quiz bowl, demonstrations, public speaking, photography and educational posters.
The Barton County horse members competing at the 2017 State 4-H Horse Panorama were Kirsten Miessler, Talen Barry, Falyn Spangler, Savanna Richmeier and Zeke Spangler. Joining the team from Edwards County was Regan Wetzel.
Hippology is a Greek word, with the word root “hippo” meaning horse and “ology” meaning the study of. The Barton/Edwards team of Miessler, Wetzel and Falyn Spangler place first in Open Hippology. Falyn Spangler placed 7th overall in the hippology testing. A second Barton County hippology team consisted of Talen Barry, Savanna Richmeier and Zeke Spangler.
The Open Quiz Bowl is a contest with teams created from across the state combined to help each person learn to work with other horse project members. Kirsten Miessler was on the 4th place open quiz bowl team.
Barton County coach Deidre Moran prepared the team for the competition with meetings held every Sunday for the past few months. Shae Richmeier also attended the event. Renee Richmeier and Zach Spangler served as adult chaperones.
4-H Horse members are involved in riding practice to prepare for horse shows later this spring. It is not too late to get involved in the 4-H program. However, all new members must be enrolled by March 1, to participate in the 4-H events at the Barton County Fair. Call the Barton County Extension Office at 793-1910 or visit www.barton.ksu.edu for more information.
Berny Unruh is the 4-H and Youth Development Extension Agent in Barton County. She is a guest columnist for the Great Bend Tribune. She can be reached at 620-793-1910 or at bunruh@ksu.edu.