Twenty-five youth recently participated in the Kootenai/Shoshone County 4-H Hippology Contest at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, which featured a written test, horse judging rounds, a knowledge station course, and team presentations on horse-related topics. The 2026 junior hippology team includes Reese Robb, Aralynn Torba, Catherine Perry, and Eden Ryan, while the senior team features Melanie Rabello, Sophia Paliotto, Shelby Roberge, and Zia Izzard.

Additionally, the county hosted the 4-H Horse Bowl Contest with 48 youth competing. Top finishers in the junior division were Catherine Perry, Reese Robb, Audrey Johnson, Paisley Laudeman, and Aralynn Torba; in the senior division, Shelby Roberge, Zia Izzard, Kenzlie Gerig, Melanie Rabello, and Emery Mort placed in the top five. Selected participants will represent Kootenai/Shoshone at the Northern District 4-H Horse Contests on June 16-17 in Lewiston, with junior and senior teams named, including alternates.