Sixteen teams consisting of more than 60 4-H horse club members from 12 counties (Atlantic, Burlington, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, Sussex and Warren) competed in the New Jersey State 4-H Horse Bowl Virtual Contest held from February 20-21.
The New Jersey 4-H Horse Bowl is an educational project in which 4-H members learn a variety of horse related information including equine anatomy, conformation, feed and nutrition, evolution, breed characteristics, reproduction, horse management, tack and equipment, styles of riding and the exhibition of horses. Participants enhance their study skills by using selected reference materials.
The accumulated knowledge is tested in the form of a contest, similar to a “College Quiz Bowl” competition. At the horse bowl contest, 4‑H’ers must work together with two or three other team members to answer questions to the best of their ability. Questions read by a moderator focus on topics including Anatomy and Physiology, Colors and Markings, Gaits, and Health. Contestants vie against one another to be the first to buzz in, winning the opportunity to answer the question. Correct answers earn points toward individual and team awards. Teams are divided into two divisions, junior division (grades 4-8) and senior division (grades 9-13).
There were 10 teams competing in the Senior Division this year. Winners were:
1st Place Team – Atlantic County. Team members included MacKenzie Esposito, Samantha Ingerson, Kate Pantelione, and Grace Miller.
2nd Place Team – Hunterdon County. Team members were Christina Piparo, Eva Zajac, Lydia Kaluski and Josie Whitmore.
3rd Place Team – Team members included Skylar Cooper from Gloucester County, Jordan Paolello from Monmouth County, and Charlee Redrow from Salem County.
4th Place Team – Monmouth County. Team members were Jacqueline Tanzi, Isabella Bouffard, Delaney Wiggins and Tierney Wiggins.
The top individuals in the Senior Division were: Samantha Ingerson (Atlantic County), Skylar Cooper (Gloucester County), Christina Piparo (Hunterdon County), Abbey Schneider (Burlington County), Lauren Guerriero (Sussex County), Mackenzie Esposito (Atlantic County), Jacqueline Tanzi (Monmouth County), Josie Whitmore (Hunterdon County), Kazzandra Higgins (Sussex County), Grace Miller (Atlantic County), Jordan Paolello (Monmouth County), Kate Pantelione (Atlantic County), Eva Zajac (Hunterdon County), Lydia Kaluski (Hunterdon County), Charlee Redrow (Salem County), Isabella Bouffard (Monmouth County), and Shianne Figueroa (Burlington County).
Of the six teams competing in the Junior Division, Monmouth County captured the 1st place Team award with team members Anthony Paolello, Tea Gallucci, Monica D’Aiuto, and Emmalyn Iriani. The 2nd Place team consisted of Sarah Kaufman and Lacey Leslie from Middlesex County and Elizabeth and Arica Sodtalbers from Warren County. Sussex County took the 3rd Place Team award with team members Bella Fernandez, Catalina Fernandez, and Grace Mackey. The 4th Place Team consisted of Raelynn Wilford from Cumberland County and Kelly and Melanie Farrell from Gloucester County.
The top ten individuals who captured the best scores in three rounds in the Junior Division were Sarah Kaufman (Middlesex County), Bella Fernandez (Sussex County), Anthony Paolello (Monmouth County), Lacey Leslie (Middlesex County), Melanie Farrell (Gloucester County), Tea Gallucci (Monmouth County), Monica D’Aiuto (Monmouth County), Catalina Fernandez (Sussex County), Kelly Farrell (Gloucester County), Grace Mackey (Sussex County), and Raelyn Wilford (Cumberland County).
The 4-H Youth Development Program is part of Rutgers Cooperative Research & Extension, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. 4-H offers educational programs to all youth, grades K-13 (one year out of high school), on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability. For more information visit the New Jersey 4-H website at http://nj4h.rutgers.edu
