The Caldwell County 4-H Horse Bowl Team, comprised of members of the 4-H Saddle Club, won first place at the Western District regional competition and will compete in the statewide competition in Raleigh. The team competed in the mixed division and consisted of students aged 12 to 15, coached by Jennifer Shows. The competition involves answering questions on horse biology, anatomy, history, and evolution.

The Saddle Club, open to students aged 5 to 18, allows members to come together over their shared love of horses. Students spent hours preparing for the Horse Bowl competition by conducting research and crafting questions for the judges. This process helped them learn how to handle pressure, deal with disappointment, and work as a team, providing valuable life lessons.

Sarah Moyer, the 4-H youth development extension agent for Caldwell County, emphasized that the competition teaches kids important skills that will benefit them in the future. The educational organization encourages active engagement with subject matter, and the students’ dedication to the Horse Bowl competition reflects their commitment to learning and growing as individuals.