AMES, Iowa – Thirteen Iowa 4-H members joined more than 1,000 young people from 33 states at the Western National Roundup Jan. 4-7 in Denver, Colo. Iowa 4-H’ers placed in the top 10 for several events, both as teams and individuals.
The competitions held at Western National Roundup include horse and livestock judging, a livestock quiz bowl, hippology, horse demonstrations, public speaking, parliamentary procedure, family consumer sciences presentations, a skill-a-thon and consumer decision making. Young people ages 14 through 19 can qualify through state competitions and events.
First team overall
A team of Iowa 4-H members from Palo Alto, Emmet and Dubuque counties competed in one of the 4-H national horse judging contests. Mackenzie Berkland, Skyler Morphew, Ariana Umscheid and Madison Strief placed fifth as a team in the performance (riding) classes, first as a team in oral reasons and first as a team overall.
Team members also placed well individually. Berkland was high individual overall, and received first place in halter and reasons, and third in performance. Umscheid placed third in halter, fifth in reasons and eighth place overall. Morphew was second in halter and eighth in reasons.
“This was an amazing opportunity to represent Iowa’s 4-H program with my team,” said Mackenzie Berkland. “The achievements I made at this event have given me even more confidence in my industry knowledge in halter and performance classes. The public speaking skills that I have gained have benefited me greatly, improving my confidence when speaking in front of others.”
Clinton County places third overall
The Clinton County 4-H team of Ciera Krogman, Kayleigh Slapnicka, Taciana Bilek and Montanna Krogman competed in the hippology division. Hippology is the study of horses including bones, muscles, vaccinations, organ identification, disciplines, tack, identification of injuries and team problems. The team placed third overall in the nation, received reserve champion in exam and horse judging, fourth overall in stations and seventh overall in team problems.
Individually, Kayleigh Slapnicka placed high point overall in individual, fourth overall in stations and placed as champion in exam. Taciana Bilek placed sixth overall in horse judging.
The Western National Roundup, now in its 98th year, is held annually in early January. In addition to competitions, workshops are offered throughout the week. Youth learn about topics ranging from fitness and nutrition, to communication, team building and leadership development.
For more information on the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program, please contact your county ISU Extension and Outreach office or visit the Iowa 4-H website at www.extension.iastate.edu/4h.