DATE:        11/28/05

CONTACT:    Amy McClune; (864) 656-6651

WRITER:     Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741

S.C. 4-H’ers attend Eastern National 4-H Horse RoundUp

CLEMSON – Eleven South Carolina 4-H’ers recently returned from a trip to Lexington , Ky. and the 2005 Eastern National 4-H Horse RoundUp.

This year, 334 youths from 27 states participated in horse judging, Hippology, Horse Bowl, Public Speaking, Individual Demonstration and Team Demonstration events.

South Carolina Hippology team members were: Sarah Steele, Morgan Conrad, and Julia Hoag from Chester County and Cassie Oakes from Spartanburg County . Bonnie Steele, Chester County 4-H volunteer, was the coach.

South Carolina Horse Bowl Team members were: Haley Bishop, David Brandt, Emily House, Christy and Laura Weiss - all from Lexington County . Coaches were Sandy House and Anne Bishop.

South Carolina Team Demonstration members were: Amanda Achelpohl and Katherine Wieters from Lexington County . The coach was Fae Herbert.

The Hippology team placed first in team problem phase, ninth in written phase, fifth in judging phase, and 10th overall. Twenty teams competed.

"I was so proud of the team this year because they worked so hard,” said Liz Buist, Clemson Extension 4-H equine specialist.

“They demonstrated the many skills they have learned through 4-H with the help of caring adults,” added Keith Diem, director of 4-H Youth Development at Clemson University .

4-H is the youth development program of the Cooperative Extension Service, a nationwide partnership of the USDA, state land-grant universities, county governments and the private sector. 4-H is available to youth, ages 5-19 on an age-appropriate basis, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status.

To learn more about joining 4-H or becoming a 4-H volunteer, contact your local Clemson Extension office or visit the state 4-H website at: www.clemson.edu/4h.

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