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Virginia Horse Center Hosts State 4-H Horse & Pony Show

Morgan Strickler and Ima Glowin Coco Chip. Photo courtesy of Leona Randsdell.

Lexington, Va. – Oct. 18, 2016 – The Virginia Horse Center was proud to host juniors from around the state at the 2016 State 4-H Horse & Pony Show Sept. 15-18. Riders competed in a variety of disciplines from hunt seat to western to dressage, in addition to numerous other contests and events.

The overall high point Dressage championship went to Hannah Rice of Accomack County and Page 3 Girl. In the Senior Hunter division, Katie Define of Albemarle County and Prize claimed the championship title. Hannah Revere of Hanover County took home the top spot in the Junior Hunter division aboard She Sells Sea Shells.

In the Western divisions, Randi Roehl of Caroline County took home the top spot in the Junior division with Ima Keeper. The Senior division championship went to Morgan Strickler of Frederick County with Ima Glowin Coco Chip. Maryann Johnson of Southampton County took home the Overall Western Highpoint championship with Zippos Sweet Tea.

In addition to mounted competition the State 4-H Horse & Pony Show offers a wealth of other competitions for its exhibitors from stall decorating to art and photography. Ruth Alexander of Goochland County was the champion in the photography contest, while Taryn McFarland earned the top spot in the art contest.

The Leg-Up Award is given to a 4-H participant who exemplifies the qualities of 4-H and strives to “make the best better” This year’s recipient was Colleen Chaplin. She was nominated by Sofia and Kelly Whealton from the Chincoteague 4-H Club. With 10 years of 4-H experience, Chaplin is a multi-disciplined rider, and has held every office in her club, has been inducted as an All-Star, and is also a Northern District Horse Council Teen representative.

“I was very honored to be nominated,” Chaplin said. “It was nice to be recognized. I love showing at the Virginia Horse Center, it’s my favorite show of the year. I think the 4-H motto, ‘make the best better’, encompasses a lot, it’s amazing to see how helpful everyone is at the horse show and what a positive attitude all the competitors have, it’s great.”

The Connie Collier 4-H Scholarship Award is given to a 4-H participant who has been an exemplary volunteer. Applicants are required to submit an essay describing how 4-H has influenced their life and their goals for the future along with three letters of reference. This year’s award went to Libby Arnold and Mattie Ruth Stanley who were both awarded a $1,200 Scholarship.

The 2017 State 4-H Horse and Pony Show will be held September 14-17. For more information on the Virginia Horse Center, please visit www.horsecenter.org.

Media Contact: Rebecca Walton
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