On Saturday, January 17, 2026, 12 Smith County 4-H’ers traveled to the campus of Cumberland
University in Lebanon, Tennessee, to test their knowledge at the Central Region 4-H Horse Bowl
& Hippology Contest.

These 4-H’ers have spent the last couple of months diligently preparing for this contest with the
help of volunteer coaches Caitlin Rossington and Catherine Chapman.

The 4-H Hippology contest allows youth to demonstrate skills they have learned in equine
science, horse judging, and identification of horse-related tack, feeds, health, anatomy, and
equipment. At the contest, 4-H members are given a written exam and identification slides and
must judge two horse judging classes.

Our Junior Team A, made up of Peter Chartier, Sophie Hale, Winnie Jo Hendry, and Hannah
Reeder, placed 7th out of 16 teams in their division. Tinley Butler, Lucas Potapov, and Sammy
Potapov also competed as a team in the Junior Division.

Our Junior High Team was made up of Katie Belle Butler, Luke Chartier, Titus Chartier, and
Kyler Yerge. Katelyn Kooken also competed as a Junior High individual.

Additionally, 4-H’ers Luke Chartier, Titus Chartier, and Kyler Yerge competed as a team in the
Horse Bowl portion of the contest.

Horse Bowl is a fast-paced, quiz-style competition that tests participants’ knowledge of horse
care, behavior, nutrition, anatomy, and the equine industry. Teams compete head-to-head to
answer questions quickly and accurately, promoting learning, teamwork, and confidence among
youth who share an interest in horses. Luke, Titus, and Kyler are the first Smith County 4-H’ers
in a while to be brave enough to try this portion of the contest, and we are especially proud of
them!

It is always a great day when so many smart and confident young people show up to compete
and represent Smith County.

Thanks again to Mrs. Caitlin and Mrs. Catherine for working with these 4-H’ers. Our 4-H Horse
Project group simply wouldn’t be possible without them! We are so grateful that they are willing
to dedicate their time, knowledge, and experience to help our 4-H members learn all that they
can.

If you would like more information on how to participate in the Smith County 4-H Horse Project
Group, including Hippology and Horse Judging, or any other 4-H activities, contact the Smith
County Extension office at 615-735-2900.