WEYBRIDGE — January 15 may have been a cold and blustery day, but inside the barn at the University of Vermont (UVM) Morgan Horse Farm in Weybridge, the scene was warm and inviting as 16 local 4-H’ers gathered for the Addison County 4-H Hippology Contest.

The competition, organized by Addison County 4-H, tested participants on their knowledge of the horse industry through placing of a class of four horses, four identification stations and a written knowledge test. The stations covered a range of topics including breeds, forages and feeds, animal nutrition, tack and equipment, horse health and care and other equine-related topics. Questions for the exam and stations were prepared by 4-H adult volunteers Kathy and Cassie Kennett, Vergennes.

Placements were as follows:

8 and 9 year-olds: John Murphy, Weybridge (first); Tom Allen, Vergennes (second); and Savannah Whitney, Middlebury (third).

10 and 11 year olds: Caroline Allen, Vergennes (first); Maeve Newton, Middlebury (second); and Lillian Kozloski, Leicester (third).

12 and 13 year olds: Binit Bangoura, New Haven (first); Alexis Whipple, Bridport (second); Randy Cameron, Shoreham (third); Hannah Gendreau, Shoreham (fourth).

14 year olds and up: Katherine Whipple, Bridport (first); Katherine Heath, Bristol (second); Emma Reen, Lincoln (third); Brailey Livingston, New Haven (fourth); Erin Whipple, Bridport (fifth); Shyanne Wedge, Shoreham (sixth).

For information about the 4-H horse project or Addison County 4-H, contact UVM Extension 4-H educator Martha Seifert at (802) 388-4969, ext. 355, or [email protected]edu.