More than 330 of the nation’s most knowledgeable 4-H Horse Program members competed earlier this month in the 2011 Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup, an annual event hosted by the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in Louisville, Ky., since 1985.

One New Hampshire 4-H’er received top honors in the Public Speaking category, while two others placed third in the Presentation Content. Overall, there were six contests that test horse knowledge and communication skills: Public Speaking, Individual Presentation, Team Presentation, Horse Bowl, Hippology and Horse Judging. Contestants are awarded individually and as part of a team representing their state.

Brian Edmonds of the Pony Express 4-H Club of Hillsborough County placed first in the Public Speaking category, while Hanna Moore and Meagan Moran of from the Derry Nutfield Hunt 4-H Club of Rockingham County placed third in the Presentation Contest. These challenging contests necessitate months of preparation. The speech and presentation contests require contestants to present factual, relevant information in a way that is entertaining and memorable.

Kristen Harvey, 4-H Horse Roundup management committee chair, said that each of the 4-H members competing should be extremely proud of their efforts and success. “The Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup represents the final destination for these kids to showcase their talents and hard work. They earned the top award in their state to qualify, and then they had to amplify their level of knowledge and preparation to go up against the other top kids from across the country.”

In the 2011 contest, 336 contestants from 31 states competed for one of seven $500 scholarships provided by the American Quarter Horse Association and numerous trophies and awards provided by NAILE and other contest sponsors. (Shown in the above photo with his trophy is first-place winner Brian Edmonds of the Pony Express 4-H Club of Hillsborough County.)

4-H is the youth educational program of UNH Cooperative Extension. The mission of 4-H is to help youth acquire knowledge, develop life skills and form attitudes to help them to become self directing, productive and contributing members of society. 4-H emphasizes the importance of involving youth in the learning process.