The Michigan 4-H horse program hosts educational contests, including the hippology contest which focuses on the study of horses. Teams from Washtenaw County placed first and third in the senior division at the 2024 4-H Hippology State Contest, earning the opportunity to compete at national contests. One team went to the Eastern National 4-H Roundup in Kentucky, while the other team competed at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress in Ohio.

At the Eastern National 4-H Roundup, the first-place team from Washtenaw County faced challenges but learned a lot from the experience. One team member, Julia L., achieved fourth place overall in the horse judging contest. The third-place team from Washtenaw County also worked hard at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress in Ohio, with Coach Angela Oakman noting their strong finish in the contest.

Those interested in forming or joining a 4-H hippology team can reach out to their county Michigan State University Extension office for more information on how to get involved. The article highlights the success of Washtenaw County 4-H teams at national hippology contests and the valuable learning experiences gained from participating in these competitions.