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2007 Idaho Horse Of the Year recipient
sponsored by the
Peter Stone Model Horse Co.�
and the Idaho 4-H Program
"AW Darc Mica," an eight-year old Arabian gelding owned by Megan K. of Meridian was recently selected as the first "Idaho 4-H Horse of the Year."
This is a new statewide 4-H program co-sponsored by the Idaho 4-H program and the Peter Stone Model Horse Company.�
To earn this award, 15 year-old Megan had written an essay based on the statement, "My horse has made my life, and the life of others better because..."
The company's owner, Peter Stone, who offers similar contests in Indiana and Massachusetts, selected this statement as a way to highlight all contributions made by 4-H project horses.
In honor of winning this event, the Peter Stone Model Horse Company� will be presenting Megan K. with a custom-painted portrait model of AW Darc Mica.
The concept of this award is not aimed at the competitive horse that wins the most awards, but rather to recognize those that have made a significant difference in the life of 4-H youth and others. Therefore, the focus of the essays was on what the author has learned from his or her experiences with their horse, what obstacles or challenges were overcome, and how these experiences have helped the author or others.
Megan was one of 30 youths statewide that entered the contest, which was then judged by three judges from various regions around the state. In her essay, Megan talked about how her horse AW Darc Mica had helped her deal with various issues including that of hurt friendships because of their competitive successes. She wrote, �Mica and I try to show other competitors that winning isn't everything. Poor sportsmanship...needs to be addressed and...that is one of the reasons why I try to set an example for others...that true sportsmanship still exists...when someone beats you (in the showring), go over and congratulate them. Remember that ribbons and trophies collect dust, and friends should last forever.�
Megan has been in 4-H for five years and is a member of the Desert Wind Riders 4-H Club, Des Arab Horse Association, the Arabian Horse Association, and the Idaho Arabian Breeders Association. AW Darc Mica is registered with the International Arabian Horse Association. Together they compete in Western, Trail, English and gymkhana events. In addition, Megan also competes in such 4-H events as the County Horse Bowl, County Team Demonstrations, County Horse Judging, District Horse Judging, and her team is currently headed to the State Horse Judging contest. Upon graduation, Megan plans to attend Oregon State University where she hopes to pursue an active career in Equine Veterinary care.
For more information on the �Idaho 4-H Horse of the Year� contest, contact your County Extension Educator or swing by the Idaho 4-H State website and visit the State Awards link.
--Susan Dudasik, "Idaho 4-H Horse of the Year" Chairperson
4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.
