Local equestrians qualify for Maine State 4-H team

Six equestrians from the 4-H Wild Mustangs Club recently traveled to Skowhegan to qualify for the Maine State 4-H Equestrian Team.
Arriving on Friday evening, each participant provided proof of vaccinations and current Coggins, received stall assignments and settled in for the qualification process. That evening, they took a horse knowledge exam worth 100 points.
    Saturday morning brought the process into full gear. The competitors were judged on fitting and showmanship, two equitation patterns, rail work and horse judging. Each received a score for barn management.
In this year’s top 20 are Sara Fitzpatrick, Megan Fitzpatrick, Kimberly Levesque, Melissa Peabody and Desiree Sixberry. Qualifying for the alternate position is Kristen Farwell.
The team will travel to West Springfield, Mass. in September to compete against other New England riders. They will be raising money to transport their horses by working at the 4-H food booth at the Northern Maine Fair.
Anyone wishing to help the 4-H riders may do so by contacting the local Cooperative Extension office or the 4-H Wild Mustangs leader Carmen McGuire.