Local 4-H’ers gathered at the Weybridge Elementary School in Weybridge on January 25 for the 2025 Addison County 4-H Hippology and Quiz Bowl competitions.

In the morning, participants tested their equine knowledge in hippology, a multi-phase contest that began with rotation through five identification stations on horse colors, breeds and other horse-related topics. They then judged a class of four horses based on conformation, took a written test and viewed a slide show to answer questions with scores for all four phases combined to determine overall placements.

For hippology, the results were as follows:

  • 10- and 11-year-olds: Normandie Cesario, Cornwall (first); Elise Tribou, Addison (second)
  • 12- and 13-year-olds: Iris Bassett, New Haven (first); Chace Petrin, Addison (second); Brianna Bessette, Salisbury (third)
  • 14-year-olds and older: Tessa Buskey, North Ferrisburgh (first); Lila Smith, Lincoln (second); McKenzie Ball, Vergennes (third); Alexis Freegard, Bristol (fourth); Sophia Welch, Bridport (fifth)

For the afternoon quiz bowl competition, the 4-H’ers earned points for being the first to buzz in with the correct answer to questions about the horse industry. Because two of the participants had to leave early, the two younger age groups were combined for this competition.

The results were:

  • 10- to 13-year-olds: Normandie Cesario, Cornwall (first); Elise Tribou, Addison (second); Brianna Bessette, Salisbury (third)
  • 14-year-olds and up: Tessa Buskey, North Ferrisburgh (first); Lila Smith, Lincoln (second); Alexis Freegard, Bristol (third); McKenzie Ball, Vergennes (fourth); Sophia Welch, Bridport (fifth)

Addison County Extension 4-H Educator Martha Seifert organized the event. She was assisted by Kathy and Cassie Kennett, Vergennes, who prepared the questions and volunteered at the event along with parents who helped score and moderate the contests. The rosette ribbons presented to the winners were provided by the Addison County 4-H Foundation.

For more information about 4-H horse events in Addison County, contact Seifert at (802) 656-7547 or martha.seifert@uvm.edu.