Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show 2024

The 64th annual Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show was held October 24-27 at the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. More than 640 youth from over 50 counties participated in 80 performance classes throughout the weekend. Over 1400 entries were shown by youth who qualified for the show.

The State 4-H Horse Show is the final competition of the year for 4-H horse members enrolled in performance horse projects. To be eligible for the show, members must advance through qualifying competitions at county and district levels. Events include showmanship, horsemanship, equitation, pleasure, over fences, driving, western riding, reining, trail, and timed events. An equestrian with disabilities division for riders with special needs is also included.

There are many different opportunities for members at the Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show, including a model horse show, skillathon, photography contest, and educational exhibit competition. Members may also be recognized for good sportsmanship. New to the horse program this year is the sportsmanship award in each horse district. Sportsmanship is the character that an individual displays while participating in events and programs. A true sportsman shows character in defeat without complaining and is gracious when winning. An individual who is a true sportsman will always encourage and cheer on friends and fellow 4-H members. 

Pennsylvania 4-H members may also participate in the Pennsylvania 4-H Recreational and Alternative Equine Activities program, including the Hoof Hour Awards recognition.  This program promotes alternative activities with horses and sets attainable goals for youth participating in equine activities outside the show ring. Additionally, there is the Pennsylvania 4-H Horsemanship Skills Program. This is a progressive educational opportunity that focuses on learning at the appropriate pace for each horse and youth team. Developing knowledge and promoting safety of youth is the goal at every level of the program. Level 1 emphasizes basic, correct, and safe principles of handling and riding at the walk and trot; Level 2 builds a solid foundation of horsemanship skills and introduces the lope or canter and correct aids; Level 3 and Level 4 challenge riders to continue to develop their skills and are the most advanced levels. Julia DiNapoli from Northampton's Dusty Trails horse club achieved her Level 3 in Horsemanship Skills this year and was recognized at the PA 4-H State Horse Show as well as the local Northampton County 4-H year-end Achievement Banquet.  Congratulations to Julia!

During the Pennsylvania 4-H State Horse Show, a banner was awarded to the overall grand champion in the category of Good Housekeeping. This year's recipient of the Grand Champion award was Monroe County.  Northampton County placed third overall!

Northampton County had 14 members advance to the state level with their equine partners after qualifying at the county and then regional level.  It is an amazing achievement to reach the state level of the performance horse program.  The Pennsylvania 4-H State Horse Show qualifiers this year were Madison Bara, Landin Beers, Riley Bickert, Dominick DiNapoli, Julia DiNapoli, Rowan Everett, Gabriella Handelong, Maggie Millheim, Londyn Probus, Abigail Singleton, Alexia Veno, Billie Weiner, Charley Weiner, and Natasha Ziegler.  All Northampton County members showed brilliantly and supported each other.  Additionally, Landin Beers placed 4^th in Western Grooming and Showmanship ages 8-11 and placed 5^th in Beginner Western Pleasure with "Rockin Rolex;" Riley Bickert placed 5^th in Low Working Hunter Horses and 9^th in Hunt Seat Equitation on the Flat ages 12-14 with "Stick to the Script;" Dominick DiNapoli placed 7^th in Western Horsemanship ages 12-14 and 8^th in Ranch Pleasure ages 8-13 with "Invitation to Paris;" and Londyn Probus placed 7^th in Miniature Horse In Hand Trail ages 8-13 with "Mercedes Bombshell Trick." Londyn also qualified to go to the Pennsylvania 4-H State Horse Show with two horses, her hunter pony mare and her miniature horse. 

Incredibly, Northampton County had two Pennsylvania 4-H State Horse Show Champions this year! Landin Beers was the Pennsylvania 4-H State Horse Show Champion for 2024 in Beginner Western Horsemanship with "Rockin Rolex." Madison Bara was the Pennsylvania 4-H State Horse Show Champion for 2024 in Hunter Under Saddle Ponies, 13.2 hands to 14.2 hands with "Tuckered Out."

Congratulations to all Northampton County 4-H riders and their horses!