Olivia Sipos, 11, of Redington Shores competes in recent show.
PINELLAS COUNTY – Five horses and their riders qualified in the Florida State 4H Horse Show at the Florida State Fairgrounds July 10 to 12.
This year’s competing exhibitors were Amanda Benedict, 14, of Clearwater; Shelby Comerford, 14, of Largo; Katie Cunningham, 13, of Kenneth City; Jessica Freed, 10, of Pinellas Park, and Olivia Sipos, 11, of Redington Shores.
The exhibitors, all active 4H members had to qualify at local and district levels as well as completing project books, exhibits and giving public demonstrations to their clubs on horse related subjects to qualify.
The 4H Club teaches young people leadership, citizenship and life skills. Learn by doing is the goal of the Pinellas County 4H Youth Devel-
opment programs where youngsters ages 5 to 18 learn by engaging in active, hands-on activities.
The Pinellas County 4H Youth Development Program is part of Pinellas County Extension, which is a partnership between Pinellas County and the University of Florida IFAS.
The winners represent three of the five Pinellas County 4H Horse Clubs, All Things Equine, Pony Pals and Hearts and Hooves.
The state 4H showcases the top 40 percent of participants from each district around the state. Classes are large and the competition steep as seniors between ages 14 to 18 compete for places at regional in Virginia this year.
Pinellas County brought home its share of ribbons with Amanda Benedict placing fifth in hunter type geldings and ninth in handy hunter. Shelby Comerford placed ninth in western riding. Katie Cunningham placed 11th in equitation over fences and Olivia Sipos placed eighth in registered mares, eighth in western pleasure and 10th in trail.
“It was such an honor at the age of 11 to represent my club and county at State,” Sipos said. “I’ve been involved in 4H for six years and it has taught me leadership, citizenship and given me a goal to work towards.”
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