4-H equestrian team competes at state show

The Gloucester County 4-H equestrian team performed at the 2024 New Jersey State 4-H Championship Horse Show in August at the DREAM Park equestrian facility in Logan Township.

To qualify, team members competed in county-level qualifying shows with their project animals. The top performers then earned a spot on county teams to compete in the annual three-day event, according to a press release from the 4-H.

“The New Jersey State 4-H Championship Horse Show is the culminating event for horse project members to demonstrate the horsemanship and sportsmanship skills they have developed throughout the previous 4-H year,” said Brittany Rigg, program coordinator for the county and state 4-H programs.

The Gloucester County team was cited for outstanding work ethic, dedication and sportsmanship. In addition to individual awards, the team secured Overall Grand Champion titles in the Dressage and English Divisions.

Team members are Anastasia Besar, Lydia Bottiglieri, Gianna Del Beato, Julia Dodson, Joyenne Emery, Kate Lukban, Contessa Pagano, Hannah Perkins, Aubrie Sheridan, Peyton Stone, Averie Thompson, Kyla Tonkinson, Katelyn Worrell, and Avery Wyckoff. County team coordinators at the championship were 4-H volunteers Kim D’Andrea, Sheri Lucas, Angel Brown and Tammy Suydam.

Contessa Pagano, a junior 4-H member, and Alexa Gallagher, a senior, were honored with the New Jersey 4-H Gerry Leonarski Making The Best Better Memorial Awards for overall accomplishments in the equine program, leadership, community service and well-rounded achievements as young adults. Kelly Farrell, another junior 4-H member, took third runner-up in the New Jersey State 4-H Junior Equestrian of the Year Contest.

For more information on the Gloucester County 4-H program, call (856) 224-8040 ext. 3, or visit the state 4-H website at http://nj4h.rutgers.edu