Several members of the Long County 4-H Club took part in the Georgia 4-H Horse Show early last month in Perry. The three-day event was at the Agri-Center and brought students from all over the state together to compete.
Long County’s Josey Walter and Karolin Davis both finished in the Top-10 of their divisions. Davis placed ninth in the junior division. Walter placed tenth overall in the senior division.

In individual events, Davis finished fourth in cones and fifth in stakes. Walter finished fifth in the arena race, sixth in barrels and 11th in stakes.
Also showing well for the Long County team was Maree’ Miles, who had an overall finish of 14th in the junior division, and Kaitlyn Fox, who finished 22nd overall in the senior division. Miles finished eighth in cones, 14th in the arena race and 15th in barrels. Fox finished 12th in stakes, 13th in barrels and 14th in poles.

Earning honorable mention in the Cloverleaf Division was Savannah Wells in photography.
According to County Extension Associate Savannah Carter, the horse show has 76 different riding disciplines including stock seat, ranch horse, hunt seat and saddle seat. Along with the riding competition, youth also have the opportunity to compete in educational events such as photography, public speaking, drawing, painting and essay.
Carter said students have to complete horse handbooks, attend 4-H horse club meetings and practice in their disciplines in order to compete.

In addition to Carter, adult chaperones for the weekend were Ron Lairamore, Christine Fisher and Jennifer Hall.
“This being my first state horse show, I learned the skills and the dedication these 4-Hers have to their horse and to theirselves,” Carter said. “The horse club is an outlet for young minds to learn about equine.”
Carter also praise all of the Long County competitors.

“I am extremely proud of the Long County 4-Hers, it is a wonderful feeling to see these youth shine from being a part of the horse club. We hope to have more participants next year,” she said.
Carter said there will be an information night about the horse club Monday at the Long County Extension office beside the Courthouse. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. and any 4th-12th grade student is invited. She also encouraged parents of prospective members to attend. Volunteers are also welcome.

“The 4-H Horse Program is one of the most exciting and enjoyable facets of Georgia 4-H,” Carter said.
For more information, call Carter at 912-545-9549 or go to uge3183@uga.edu.