Youth from across the state participated in the annual event at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in hippology, horse judging, horse training and achievement, speech and

demonstrations, showmanship, and drill team skills as well as show, trail and endurance riding.

Local 4-H participants included Mia Walter and her horse Tipsy; Kenedi Wersal and her horse Kat; Millie Lax and horse Sisi; Leah Kucera and horse Peanut; Sydeny Zarn and horse Gunner and Andrew Hellendrung and horse Bolt.

In the state competition Kucera received four competition awards: first place in key race, third in pole weaving, third place in jumping figure 8 and third in barrels.

Leah Kucera (left) and Millie Lax (right) earned the coveted Youth Leadership Award for their service as club officers and on county committees, participation in leadership conferences, public speaking, and more. Submitted photo

Zarn finished fourth in Jumping Figure 8, sixth in key race and 10th in barrels.

Hellendrung took fourth in pole weaving, fourth in jumping figure 8 and 10th in barrels.

Walters took sixth in Ranch Please division.

In addition to competition awards, both Leah Kucera and Millie Lax earn Youth Leadership Awards for the second year in a row.

“State 4-H horse show was a success for our youth with fun, clean runs, some personal bests, and state placings,” said Kucera. She also wished senior Andrew Hellendrung luck in the future as this was his final run as a 4-H member before heading to college.

For Andrew Hellendrung's final year as a 4-H member, he and his horse, 'Bolt', earned multiple ribbons in Barrels, Jumping Figure 8, and Pole Weaving. Submitted photo

Of the 4-H program, Hellendrung wants younger youth to, “look forward to the memories and friends that you make in 4-H.”

For more information, or additional exhibitor results and photos, please visit z.umn.edu/4HHorseProject or contact the local Extension office at mnext-brown@umn.edu.