Saratoga County 4-H Teams Excel at Regional Horse Bowl Contest

Hippology, although its name might allude, is not the study of hippos, but of horses. 

Saratoga County 4-H members have been practicing their hippology for months, from equine first-aid, to how to clean, organize and set up the tack station for the Regional Horse Bowl Contest, held last month (March 17) at Guilderland High School.

The Horse Bowl is a knowledge contest where regional 4-H teams compete in a "Round Robin" format.

In the senior (age 14-18) division, teams from Saratoga, Fulton, Montgomery, Schoharie, Albany, Columbia, and Rensselaer counties vied for top honors with Saratoga taking first place, thanks to team members Jesse Emerich, Gabriella Rao, Lyndsey Wanits, and Elizabeth Pompa.

Saratoga County 4-H Horse Bowl Team (Back, L-R) Elizabeth Pompa, Lyndsey Wanits, Coach Jennifer Stevens, Jesse Emerich, Gabriella Rao (Front) Assistant Coach Connor Bryant

In the top ten individual point standings, Gabriella placed 2nd overall and qualified to be a member of the regional senior team which will compete at the NYS Horse Bowl on April 21st. Also in the top ten, Lyndsey placed 9th and Elizabeth in 10th.

Saratoga County also had a Novice team participating. The team, made up of children under the age of 14 who have not previously competed) placed third. Members were Emma Benson, Katie Evans, Kailey Jensen, and Michala Toma. The team competed against teams from Albany, Schoharie, and Columbia Counties. In the top ten individual standings Emma placed 5th and Katie placed 10th.

Congratulations to all team members and good luck at States!