Illinois 4-H Hippology Team earns champion title

LOUISVILLE, KY -- The Illinois 4-H State Hippology team showcased their extensive equine knowledge at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup, securing the title of 2024 Hippology champions. Their expertise was tested across a range of topics, including breed identification and evaluation, anatomy, tack identification, nutrition, reproductive physiology, disease management, parasite identification, and emergency prepareness.

The Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup champion team includes Talisa Thomas of Whiteside County, Ellis Rogers of Knox County, Hannah Wenzel of Saline County, Allison Burrs of Carroll County, and coaches Bryan Hollewell and Olivia Charles, both Carroll County volunteers.

Team results included: Champion Team overall, Champion Team written phase, Champion Team stations phase, and sixth place in team problems phase. 

Individual results included: Allison Burrs of Carroll County, high individual in both written and stations phase as well as high individual overall; Ellis Rogers of Knox County, sixth in stations phase, tied for fifth overall; and Hannah Wenzel of Saline County, ninth in written phase, seventh in stations phase, ninth overall.  Just out of the ribbons in several phases, Whiteside County’s Talisa Thomas’ performance significantly contributed to earning high team within phases and overall as there are no drop scores in this contest. 

The Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup provides a place for youth to compete nationally while encouraging teamwork and self-confidence, and while focusing on the 4-H Mission Mandates: Science, Engineering, Technology, Mathematics, Healthy Living and Citizenship

In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Through 4-H, young people with a passion for horses can participate in educational contests related to the equine industry regardless of whether they even own a horse. These educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed characteristics, management, and feeding. To learn more, please visit the Illinois 4-H website.

Illinois youth competing in the National 4-H Horse Hippology Contest are supported by the Illinois 4-H Foundation and its donors.

About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs. 

Source: Deb Hagstrom, Equine Extension Specialist, hagstrom@illinois.edu

Writer: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, 4-H State Office, carissa7@illinois.edu