Okaloosa County will be well represented in the July 8-11 Florida 4-H State Horse Show in Tampa.
Annie Cooke, Caelyn Grodoski, Layla Overly, Mackenzie Barrow and Kiara Martin will compete in the show's junior class division. Klarissa Williamson, Kelvin Williamson and Alex Cooke will compete in the senior division.
4-H clubs across the state held a qualification show in the spring to determine who could participate at the state show. Round Up 4-H Club and 4-H Country Club members who participated in the Area A Horse Show April 17-18 at the Jackson County Agricultural Center in Marianna competed in Western, Hunter, Speed Events and Saddle/Gaited divisions. Okaloosa was one of the largest counties that participated, with 12 participants out of 16 panhandle counties.
The Florida Cooperative Extension's 4-H horse program allows young people to participate in activities designed to improve citizenship, sportsmanship, horsemanship, character, competitive spirit, discipline and responsibility while creating an atmosphere for learning and awareness. It also gives kids the tools to improve critical thinking skills and provides opportunities for traveling and scholarships.
Youths enrolled in a 4-H horse club learn how to select a good saddle horse, how to properly care for horses, how to ride, to train and handle horses, to acquire a broad equine knowledge base, and enjoy riding as a healthy outdoor recreational activity. Membership is open to all 5- to 18-year-olds.
Interested in joining? Contact Misty Smith, 689-5850 or mismith@ufl.edu.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 8 Northwest Florida residents to compete in state horse show