The weekend of April 14 and 15, Berlin MS student Lindsey Oswald competed in the NYS 4-H Equine Quiz Bowl and the Western Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) Competition both held in Morrisville, NY.
Lindsey and the 4-H Equine Quiz Bowl team earned a spot at the state competition after placing first in the regional competition. The team earned a 4th place finish after successfully answering a string of questions about horses and horse care.
Lindsey also was able to compete individually and as part of a team at the Western IEA competition. By the end of the competition, Lindsey and her team, the North Country Horses (NCH) had enough points to earn a spot in the semi-final competition to be held on June 2 and 3 in Findlay, Ohio.
Since she was competing in two significant competitions during the same weekend, Lindsey experienced some stress. Despite the stress, Lindsey and her team were able to stay singularly focused on the competition. When asked how she handled the stresses of the weekend she explained, “My friend passed away; we did it for him.”
The 4-H Equine Quiz Bowl contest is held regionally and at the state level to provide an opportunity for youth enrolled in 4-H horse projects to demonstrate their knowledge of equine related subject matter in a competitive setting where attitudes of friendliness and fairness prevail.
The IEA program is an opportunity for riders to earn college scholarships through competition and sportsmanship awards. IEA promotes good horsemanship, sportsmanship and an opportunity for riders to work together as a team.
