Maryland selected only the best to represent them this year at National Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio from October 12-15, 2009.  Our 4-H’ers competed in Horse Bowl, Horse Judging, Hippology and Horse Communications, and performed exceedingly well in all events.

The Horse Bowl team coached by Dr. Al Starr (Howard) outsmarted almost all of the 25 teams present to an impressive Reserve Championship with a second place finish overall. An even more impressive first place individual placing went to Rachel Ginn (Cecil) with her teammate Theresa Alexander placing tenth as an individual overall.  Horse Bowl Team members included Amanda Rasch (Carroll), Katie Reynolds (Baltimore Co.), Rachel Ginn (Cecil), and Theresa Alexander (Montgomery).

The Horse Judging Team faced some very tough competition with 32 teams from all over the country. However, the team managed to talk their way into a placing of 14^th overall in oral reasons. This successful team consists of Weber Stibolt (Anne Arundel), Ashley Newman (Carroll), Jichaela Roderick (Frederick), Allie Pickens (Howard), and was coached by Sabrina Ginn (Cecil).

Led by coach Darryll-Ann Buschling (Howard), the Hippology Team placed fourth overall with a third place finish in the judging phase, a fourth place finish in the stations phase, and  a very impressive first place finish in the in the team problems phase. Individually, Kaitlyn Pontuti (Baltimore) placed fourth overall, fourth in the written exam, and sixth in the stations phase. Rebecca Hoffman (Carroll) placed first in the judging phase along with her teammate Mackenzie Barnard (Howard) who placed 8^th in judging.  Hippology team members included Rebecca Hoffman (Carroll), Katie Pontuti (Baltimore), Brooke Dudrow (Talbot), and Mackenzie Barnard (Howard).

The Horse Communications Team, coached by Janie Dell (Carroll) had a very successful run in Ohio. The duo of Lane Hahn and Stacey Heaver, both from Carroll County presented their Team Demonstration to a 5^th place finish. Other members of the Communications Team were Lindsey Scott (Carroll) who presented a Speech and Emily Snyder (Frederick) presented an Individual demonstration.   

We extend many congratulations to all of the 4-H’ers who did such an excellent job representing our state! We would also like to thank Kristen Wilson, Karol Dyson, and the coaches of our teams for providing wonderful support and guidance to our deserving 4-H’ers. Congratulations to all involved!