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On Sept. 25-28, the Sanpete County 4H horse program competed in the Utah 4H state competition. Many students at NS brought home victories and awards.
Bailee Jaques, senior, took first in the in-hand, second in the two hand, and got a red ribbon on speed events and won a belt. Crystal Holyoak, junior, placed eighth for her in-hand project, 19th overall in individual show, and she placed second overall in Sanpete County.
The in-hand is done completely on the ground; it’s for horses from 3 years old to 1 year olds. Two hand is a colt division for colts 2-5 years old. Hunter jumper is an English discipline class. Western Individual is for any age of horse.
4-H is a program that inspires young people to develop skills in many different areas such as livestock, sewing, robotics, leadership and more.
Jamie Withers, teacher and athletic trainer at NS, did 4H when she was a kid and is now encouraging people to participate as well.
“I’ve been involved in 4H since I was a kid, so I’ve been involved in the course projects and other things,” said Jamie Withers, teacher and athletic trainer at NS.
The state competition was four days long each day consisting of different events. Senior Bailee Jaques competed in in-hand, two-hand, hunter jumper and, western individual. Jaques has now competed in every category of the horse competition.
“It was very hard and very challenging, but in equal measure, it was very rewarding.” Jaques said. “There has been a lot of blood sweat and tears involved in growing to the level of riding that I have achieved.”
A big accomplishment like this brings challenges, but the partnerships and friendships built in 4H over the years is a big factor in helping one another overcome them.
“We are all like a big family,” Jaques said. “We have all had moments where we might’ve forgotten something at a horse show and our other club members have rushed and hurried to get whatever was needed and borrowed it to other members.”
This coming year is Jaques’ last year in 4H, so she plans on giving it her best and having a good time.
“I’m excited to spend one more summer helping out and getting to show with my friends,” Jaques said. “I can’t wait until I can give back and possibly become a leader myself.”
Crystal Holyoak junior at NS competed at state this year as well.
“We have three county shows that we compete in every summer and then the state horse show in September,” Holyoak said. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s definitely all worth it.”
To compete in state and other events, the contestants must complete an exam and a portfolio which is worth a lot of their final scores. It’s also a partnership effort between the contestant and their horse.
“It’s not just you competing, but you are also teaching,” Withers said. “If your horse doesn’t know the skill, you just don’t have a show.”
For many of the people in our school, these shows are their extracurricular activity and many times they go unnoticed.
“When you think of extracurriculars you think of sport on the court or on the field,” Withers said, “but these kids put just as much time and effort as all the other sports and I think that should be recognized.”
