Provided photo Kenedi Wersal shows the awards she earned at the Minnesota 4-H State Dog show.

ST. PAUL — Kenedi Wersal of Brown County collected three awards in the Minnesota 4-H State Dog show Sept. 24-25.

Wersal, who represents the local Golden Rose Riders 4-H Club, Q=was awarded champion in obedience, reserve champion and won an award of excellence in showmanship.

Youth members of the Minnesota 4-H Dog Show learn to train and build a trusting relationship with their pet. Topics of study

include canine behavior, breed characteristics, diseases, ethics, grooming, health, nutrition, responsible breeding, service

dogs, therapy dogs, dog-related careers, and the wide array of dog sports.

Brown County 4-Hers also placed in several categories at the Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show.

Six 4-H youth from Brown County joined over 591 youth from across the state at the

Minnesota 4-H State Horse show hosted on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on Sept. 16-19, 2022. 4-H members

demonstrate their skills and knowledge in hippology (showing knowledge and understanding of equine science and

husbandry), horse judging (study of an animal, measuring it against an accepted ideal), horse training and

achievement, speech and demonstrations about interest in horses or the horse industry, showmanship and drill team

skills.

Youth who participate in the Minnesota 4-H Horse Project learn about show, trail, and endurance riding; test their

horse knowledge at quiz bowls or on judging teams, and study horse science. There are even options, such as the

Horse Related and Horseless Horse projects, for youth who are interested in horses, but don’t have access to one in

their community.

“Through the Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show, youth build communications skills, gain deeper learning and interest

in horses, and build relationships with caring adults,” said Renee Kostick, Extension Educator who manages the 4-H

horse project in Minnesota. “These experiences contribute to their success in school, community, and futures.”

The following are the results of the Brown County delegation, made up of youth from the Golden Rose Riders 4-H Club:

•Cloe Groe: seventh place in barrels, eighth place in jumping figure eight

•Andrew Hellendrung: first place in jumping figure 8

•Caidence Kucera: second place in barrels, fourth place in jumping figure 8 and seventh place in key race

•Leah Kucera: third place in horse-related exhibit and eighth place in poles

•Millie Lax: second place, horse demonstration team and fifth place, horse speech

•Sydney Zarn: second place, horse demonstration team

In total, 307 youth and 354 dogs from across the state participated in this annual event, held at the 4-H Building on the

Minnesota State Fairgrounds.