Jasper County World Changers honored at national competition

In March of 2012, the Jasper County World Changers 4H group sent two senior teams and one junior team to compete in the State Hippology Contest at the Horse Jamboree in Ames.

The two senior teams placed first and second in the state, earning them the privilege of representing Iowa at national competitions. The first place team competed in the Western National Roundup in Denver, Colo. on Jan. 11 and 12 and the second place team competed at the National Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio, on Oct. 18.

Hippology is the study of horses and these competitions tested the students’ knowledge of all things horse related. Areas of competition included horse judging, team problems, a written test, identifying information on slides, tack identification and stations.

Some areas the students were tested on include: knowledge of the biology and genetics of the horse, types of horse events, general horse care, and horse related diseases and treatments.

The team competing in Denver consisted of Jarret Horn, Rebekah Ness, and Alexandra Reynolds. Their team placed fourth in Team Problems, eighth in the Written Exam/Slides and seventh in Stations, with a seventh place finish overall. Individually, Jarret Horn placed sixth in Stations. The team competing in Ohio consisted of Amber Knight, Hannah Ness, and Jessica Reynolds, and they placed seventh in Impromptu Team Problem.

Both teams are grateful for the opportunity to have studied and represented Iowa at these events. They would like to thank their local and corporate sponsors: Rick’s Amoco, Iowa Speedway, Newton Convention & Visitors Bureau, Farm Bureau, Iowa Horse Council, Iowa Corn Growers, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Pork Producers, Kum & Go, Casey’s, Equine Experience, Theisens, Colfax Derby, Pizza Ranch, Jasper County Agricultural Extension, Vermeer Mfg. and Wells Ranch Distributing.

The teams would also like to publicly thank the many in the community who sponsored them, gave through fundraisers and encouraged them along the way. The encouragement and support spurred the team on to do its best and represent the state well.

They would also like to thank coach Neisha Horn, who spent countless hours helping them prepare for these events, and reminded the team that winning isn’t everything; it’s about glorifying the Lord, doing their best, and having fun.