Meeker County 4-H’ers recently participated in a regional Horse Bowl Contest, with both a junior and senior team competing against others from across the state. The junior team received second place and will move on to the state competition on April 4, while the senior team placed first and will also compete at the state event. Horse Bowl is an educational project where participants learn about various aspects of horses and work together as a team.
The Horse Bowl competition tests participants on their knowledge of equine anatomy, conformation, feed and nutrition, evolution, breed characteristics, reproduction, horse management, tack and equipment, styles of riding, and the exhibition of horses. This knowledge is tested in a contest format, similar to a “College Quiz Bowl” competition. The skills gained in this project can be applied to other aspects of the Minnesota 4-H Horse Program, such as Horse Judging and Hippology, and potentially into future careers.
One interesting question answered by the 4-H’ers during the competition was about preventing rust on a bit when not in use, with the answer being Vaseline or Petroleum Jelly. The teams are coached by dedicated individuals who help the participants enhance their study skills and work together effectively. The knowledge and skills gained through the Horse Bowl project can have a lasting impact on the participants and their future endeavors in the equine industry.
