Ellis County 4-Hers place at State Hippology Meet
Ellis County’s Alyssa Ballew finished 2nd in state as a junior individual at the State 4-H Hippology Meet.
The Silver Spurs 4-H Horse Club of Ellis County brought home several impressive state placings from the State 4-H Hippology Contest held at the Scurry Rosser High School, in Scurry, Texas, on August 25, 2012. One hundred and eight 4-H members representing 16 counties across the state of Texas competed in this event.
“The 4-H Hippology Contest is a comprehensive, skill-based competition where youth demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of equine science and horse husbandry through hands-on and written tests, skill stations and a horse judging contest,” said Carrie Sharp, 4-H extension agent from Kaufman County, who is the host of the state meet.
Ellis County’s senior team, ages 14 to 18, finished the second high point team in the state. Members were Elizabeth Terry and Maddie Hinds of Waxahachie, and Crysta Lynn Turner of Ennis. Terry also ranked fifth high point individual in state with Turner ranking eighth in state as an individual.
Ellis County’s junior team #1 earned the third high point junior team in state for ages 8 to 13. Team members were Sadie Hinz of Italy, Alyssa Ballew of Midlothian, and Ethan and Gentry Rogers of Frost. Ballew won a medal for second ranked high point individual, while Hinz finished 9th individual in state.
A second junior team from Ellis County finished 8th in state and scored the highest team problem speech score in the contest. Team members were Mikayla Venable of Italy, Parys Bishop of Avalon, and Autumn Wells of Waxahachie. All teams were coached by Silver Spurs club manager Julie Hinz of Italy.
Silver Spurs 4-H members would like to invite all youth in the county interested in horses to visit or join the 4-H horse club. The group meets the first Thursday of each month at the Flying Dollar Ranch in Italy. 4-H equine opportunities include hippology, horse judging, public speaking, method demonstration, quiz bowl, horse showing, speed events, cattle events, community service, leadership and scholarships. Persons interested in 4-H may call the local extension office or horse club manager Julie Hinz at 972-483-7774.