UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The 41st Annual Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show was held Oct. 27-29 at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. 4-H members from 62 counties participated in this year's show. A total of 982 youth and 1044 horses competed in 43 performance and 63 production classes after qualifying at local and district shows.

Events included halter, showmanship, equitation, pleasure, jumping, driving, reining, western riding, timed events and a therapeutic riding division for riders with disabilities.

Twenty-four youth took part in the 2nd Annual Pennsylvania State 4-H Model Horse Show, which gives 4-H members the chance to learn and perfect the hobby of collecting and showing model horses. The model horse program is ideal for members who may not be able to own and show live horses.

Highlights were the recognition ceremony, including presentation of the 2000 Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Program Outstanding Member Awards, the Equine Educational Exhibit Awards and the Good Housekeeping Award. Other activities included educational and commercial exhibits, and a dance for exhibitors and 4-H members.

Julia Polka of Westmoreland County received the 4-H Horse Program Outstanding Member Award, which recognizes leadership ability, project work and participation in local, county, district, and state activities. She received a saddle donated by Smucker�s Harness Shop of Narvon.

Four finalists received halters and leads donated by Wengers Saddlery of York Springs. The finalists were Jaclyn Belczyk of Erie County, Tabitha Eimerbrink of York County, Arlea May of Warren County and Kate Semmens of Montgomery County.

For the eighth year, county 4-H clubs displayed their horsemanship knowledge through equine educational exhibits. The 29 exhibits were judged on educational content and equine facts. York County was named grand champion. A trophy donated by Hoy�s Trophies and Awards of Export, Pa., will reside in the county for one year.

Blair County was named reserve champion. Wyoming County earned third place. Blair County was named Good Housekeeping grand champion. A trophy, also donated by Hoy's Trophies and Awards, will reside in the county for one year. Berks County was named reserve champion. Fayette County earned third place.

Bob Calvert, Penn State Cooperative Extension agent in Mercer County for 34 years, and Patty Kelly, volunteer leader in Westmoreland County for 27 years, received Service Awards.

More than 7,000 youth are enrolled in 4-H horse projects in Pennsylvania. These programs are designed to help youth develop life skills and gain knowledge of horse production, use and management. Competitions promote development of riding and showmanship skills, while encouraging responsibility, self-confidence, sportsmanship and responsible care of project animals.

For more information on 4-H horse programs in Pennsylvania, contact your county Penn State Cooperative Extension office or visit the 4-H horse program Web site at http://www3.das.psu.edu/Horse%20Program/XHorse.cfm.

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EDITORS: For more information, contact Brian Egan at 814-863-3957.

Contacts: Kim Dionis KDionis@psu.edu 814-863-2703 814-865-1068 fax