2007 Congress News

North Carolina Shows the Congress ‘How it’s Done’
by Carly Williams

The All American Quarter Horse Congress Horse Bowl Contest was held Tuesday, October 16. Twenty-five teams from across the United States showed up this week to compete in the Horse Bowl contest, as well as several other youth contests. The Congress holds several contests for youth participants each year. They include the Public Speaking and Demonstration contest, Hippology contest and Horse Bowl contest. The Congress also holds a Judging contest each year for youth and intercollegiate participants.

The Congress holds these contests each year as a way to promote good horsemanship and equine knowledge, with the hope that these participants will grow into successful and knowledgeable horse owners and equine professionals.

In the Horse Bowl contest, participants are asked to answer equine related questions. The questions are divided between regular (one on one), toss-up and bonus questions. Team members may anticipate questions involving the history, evolution and zoological scheme of the equus, equine reproduction and genetics, and equine management (including hoof care and shoeing, parasites, health, disease, injuries, lameness, safety, transportation, psychology, training and housing). Questions may also be focused on equine breeds, colors and markings, as well as the anatomy and physiology of the horse. Team members must also be able to answer questions on horse shows and judging, tack (including all other appointments), feeding and nutrition, the different gaits of the horse and fitting/grooming of a horse. Horse Bowl contestants can expect a challenging, yet fun, competition where the main goal is education and encouragement.

For the 2007 Horse Bowl competition, the youth team from North Carolina reigned supreme. They were closely followed for the ‘reserve championship’ by a team from Michigan.

Here are the complete Horse Bowl results:

Team ranks:
1st – North Carolina
2nd – Michigan (C team)
3rd – Ohio (A team)
4th – Michigan (B team)
5th – Tennessee
6th – Illinois
7th – Pennsylvania (A team)
8th – Michigan (A team)
9th – Mid-Atlantic Quarter Horse Association
10th – Minnesota (B team)

Individual ranks:
1st – Carrie Huff, Illinois
2nd – Katy Bender, Ohio (A team)
3rd – Ethan Hefner, North Carolina
4th – Rachel Hartwig, Michigan (C team)
5th – Amber Futrell, Tennessee
6th – MaryLee Shalayda, New Jersey (A team)
7th – Kanin Perry, Kentucky (A team)
8th – Shannon Wakefield, Minnesota
9th – Jessica Holdman, Missouri
10th – Faith Fulbright, North Carolina