COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Hippology Contest on March 15 drew 30 youths along with their coaches. The event tested participants’ knowledge in areas such as equine confirmation, behavior, equipment, diseases, anatomy, terminology and characteristics, said Kelsey Fuller, MU Extension state 4-H agriculture educator.

Top competitors, ages 8-10

1. Mia Rickwa, Tri-County
2. Darcy Mae Bilbrey, Tri-County
3. Ivy Coolman, Andrew County
4. Evelyn Carson, Boone County
5. Hannah Rouse, Putnam County

Top junior competitors

1. Guido Giarratana, Tri-County 1
2. Cheyenne Skaggs, Tri-County 2
3. Savanna Dixon, Tri County 1
4. Lyla Porter, Andrew County
5. Lydia Sevits, Putnam County
6. Adeline Bilbrey, Tri-County 2
7. Caleb Rouse, Putnam County
8. Mia Rickwa, Tri-County 1
9. Zoraya Martin, Tri-County 1
10. Darcy Mae Bilbrey, Tri-County 2

Top junior teams

1. Tri-County 1
2. Tri-County 2
3. Putnam County

Top senior competitors

1. Jolynn Scott, Tri-County
2. Adalyn Sevits, Schuyler County
3. Adalena McAsey, Andrew County
4. Hailey Luthenauer, Knox County
5. Brynlee Wesley, Schuyler County
6. Bailey Mills, Newton County
7. Reagan Schmutzler, Andrew County

The top four individuals of the senior division will move on to represent Missouri in November at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup in Louisville, Kentucky.

As a result of their involvement in 4-H, 95% of youths responded they are seeking to learn more about agriculture, 97% consider themselves advocates for the agriculture industry, 85% are seeking a career in agriculture, 85% feel they are educated consumers of agricultural products, and 79% are comfortable sharing their knowledge of agriculture with others.

Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners. Major support for Missouri 4-H Agriculture programs was provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with BTC Bank, FCS Financial, MFA Foundation, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, Smithfield Hog Production and the Hertzog Family.

About Missouri 4-H

Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning, Missouri youth explore and find their spark in programs ranging from agriculture and conservation to aerospace and career development. Through clubs, programs, camps, in-school and after-school experiences, University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff and thousands of volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence and fostering connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference in their communities, their country and the world. To learn more about Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.

Photos

https://extension.missouri.edu/sites/default/files/legacy_media/wysiwyg/News/photos/20250331-top8-10.jpg
Top competitors ages 8-10 at the 2025 Missouri 4-H Hippology Contest in Columbia.

https://extension.missouri.edu/sites/default/files/legacy_media/wysiwyg/News/photos/20250331-topjr.jpg
Top junior division teams, at the 2025 Missouri 4-H Hippology Contest in Columbia, from left: Putnam County, third place; Tri-County 1, first place; and Tri-County 2, second place.

https://extension.missouri.edu/sites/default/files/legacy_media/wysiwyg/News/photos/20250331-topsr-ind.jpg
Top five individual competitors in the senior division at the 2025 Missouri 4-H Hippology Contest in Columbia. Pictured, from left: Jolynn Scott, Tri-County; Adalyn Sevits, Schuyler County; Adalena McAsey, Andrew County; Hailey Luthenauer, Knox County; and Brynlee Wesley, Schuyler County.