Berks 4-H Horse Club recognized for achievements in horse program

Berks County 4-H Horse Club members were recognized recently for their participation and achievements in the horse program for 2024.

Throughout the past year, the 4-H members have been busy participating in a variety of 4-H programs, contests, and shows while learning more about horses.

There are currently two 4-H horse clubs and one 4-H horse cloverbud club in Berks County. The Berks Saddle-ites 4-H Horse Cloverbud Club is open to youth who are between the ages of 5-7 while Blue Ribbon Riders 4-H Horse Club and the Ride for Pride 4-H Horse Club are open to youth ages 8-18.

Following the recognition program, Parker Haydt, a 4-H member from Lehigh County 4-H, presented a program on barn safety and preventing fires.

Recognition and Awards

Hoof Hours

4-H members are recognized for their time working with their horses.

Alexis Giglio completed 50 hours with her horse Rango.

Hannah Laverty completed 113 hours with her horse Sirius Black.

Natalee Fryer completed 130 hours with her horse Sanacht.

Kamryn Witman completed 202 hours with her horse Jewel.

Dressage Championship Show

Angelina Shumaker participated in the PA 4-H Dressage Championship Show in July.

State 4-H Horse Show

The following participated in the PA State 4-H Horse Show in October: Kaelynn Carey, Ava Fedak, Natalee Fryer, Jessica Fox, Alexis Giglio, Amanda Haldeman, Bryden Hein, Harper Hein, Hannah Laverty, Megan Salamone, Emma Swoyer, and Sophia Thornhill.

Equine Educational Exhibit

Hannah Laverty entered her exhibit called Jumps 101 in the Pennsylvania State 4-H Equine Educational Exhibit.

State 4-H Photography Contest

Natalee Fryer placed third in the senior landscape category in the Pennsylvania State 4-H Photography Contest.

The Road to Horsemanship Skills

Natalee Fryer Level 1 Handling

Sophia Thornhill Level 1

Alexis Giglio Level 1

Hannah Laverty Level 1 & 2

Jessica Fox Level 2

Berks County Outstanding 4-H Horse Member for the 2024

Junior Division (8-12): Champion Alexis Giglio, member in the Blue Ribbon Riders 4-H Horse Club.

Junior Division (8-12): Reserve Champion Sophia Thornhill, member in the Ride For Pride 4-H Horse Club.

Intermediate Division (13-15): Champion Hannah Laverty, member in the Ride For Pride 4-H Horse Club.

Intermediate Division (13-15): Reserve Champion Jessica Fox, member in the Ride For Pride 4-H Horse Club.

Honorable Mention Spirit of 4-H Award: Kamryn Witman and Natalee Fryer, both members in the Blue Ribbon Riders 4-H Horse Club.

Cloverbud Graduate: Jinora Hill

For more information about the Berks County 4-H Horse Program, contact the Berks County Extension Office at 610-378-1327 or extension.psu.edu/4-H.

Source: Berkshire mont