By Ivy Prince

CLEMSON For the first time in the 14 years the contest has been running, Horry County 4-H sent a team to South Carolina 4-H State Hippology contest. On March 28th through the 29th, the Horry County 4-H Horse Club sent club President Anna Kain, club treasurer Theresa Porter, Kali Beverly and Kennedy Beverly to Clemson for the competition.

The Hippology contest allows youth to showcase their equine knowledge in topics such as equine care, management, nutrition and anatomy. The competition consists of four phases: examination, stations, team problems and horse judging. The examination phase includes a written exam and slides with photos that teams must identify.  In the stations phase youth spend two minutes at each station where they will perform different tasks demonstrating different equine knowledge. During the team problems phase, the youth must work as a team to analyze and solve a hypothetical problem. The youth then have five minutes to present to judges how they would solve it. In the judging portion youth evaluate and rank horse classes in Halter and Performance. 

The Competition Team

Working with equine is more than just a learning experience for these girls; it’s a passion. For team member Theresa Porter, this passion sparked at five years old after playing with toy horses and watching them on TV. After that passion sparked, Theresa wanted to learn more.  4-H allows youth like Theresa to explore these passions and learn more through projects and competitions like the Hippology contest.

The team started preparing months in advance to compete in the State Horse Bowl. However, after sickness stopped them from competing, they decided to take that knowledge and training and apply it to the Hippology contest. They spent time studying every single day till the competition. With support from their club leader, Courtney Frappaolo, they were able to train and study to feel confident in the competition.

That preparation paid off when the team won fifth place in the stations phase overall and a shocked Anna Kain won 1st in Novice Horse judging. 

Anna stated, “I was sure…they messed something up or missed my name…Then they called my name, and I kind of just sat there (in shock). It was really exciting and really surprising. I will definitely remember it!”

After having zero representation from Horry County in the past, these girls made their mark and represented their county well. 

The Horry County 4-H Horse Club

The Horry County 4-H Horse Club was started about two years ago by club leader Courtney Frappaolo. In those two years, the club has competed in the state and regional horse show, implemented their annual Funshow fundraiser, and now have represented the county at the state Hippology contest. The goal of the club is to build interest in equine management, to help youth gain experience and knowledge, and to meet new friends with similar passions. 

One of the many highlights of the club is the Funshow they put on every year. The show is put on as a fundraiser for the club. It is a less expensive way for those interested in showmanship to have fun and compete. The show includes events such as barrels, poles, and jumping. The event includes concessions as another way to earn money for the club. The goal for the show is for those of all ages to come with their horse and learn new things, and have fun.

The club also sent a team to compete in the State Horse Show in 2024. They were able to learn and have a great time. At the event, they were all able to qualify for regionals. Theresa Porter and Anna Kain both agree that when it was announced, it became one of the most memorable experiences in their 4-H journey. 

As the club expands and grows, they are sure to accomplish more great things and keep making Horry County proud.