Submitted By: Quinn Martin, Franklin County 4-H Youth Development Educator
Fourteen Franklin County 4-H members gathered on Saturday, June 27, for the 2026 Franklin County 4-H Horse Roundup, held at the Silver Star Valley Saddle Club in Greencastle. The Franklin County 4-H Horse Program extends its sincere appreciation to the Silver Star Valley Saddle Club for opening its grounds and supporting local youth through this event. The show was judged by Robin Townsend.
The day began with grooming and showmanship classes, where participants demonstrated their horsemanship knowledge and presentation skills. In these classes, members are evaluated on their ability to execute a prescribed pattern of maneuvers with precision and smoothness while exhibiting poise, confidence, and a fundamentally correct body position. Judges also evaluate the grooming, conditioning, and overall presentation of both horse and handler.
Following showmanship, the youngest members of the program, Cloverbuds Eliza Gossard and Cody Schaefer, completed their classes for the day. The Cloverbud program is designed for youth ages 5 to 7 and provides age-appropriate opportunities to learn horse care and horsemanship skills. While Cloverbud participants do not compete for advancement to district or state-level events, they demonstrated enthusiasm and a willingness to learn throughout the day.
The competition then moved to trail classes, where riders guided their horses through a series of obstacles designed to test the horse’s manners, responsiveness, and quality of movement. Riders must earn a minimum score of 55 to qualify for district competition. Franklin County 4-H members Morgan Johnson and Adrian Davis met the qualification standard and will represent Franklin County at the District VI 4-H Horse Show.
Next came the Beginner Division, which provides a safe and supportive environment for riders who are not yet ready to canter or lope in a horse show setting. Competing in this division were Arielle Andrews, Ezekiel Post, and Morgan Johnson. All three members demonstrated strong riding skills and qualified to advance to the District VI 4-H Horse Show.
The Western Division followed, featuring ranch classes that highlighted practical horsemanship skills and the versatility of horse and rider. Adrian Davis and Waylon Post represented Franklin County in this division and both earned qualifying scores to advance to district competition.
The day concluded with the Hunt Seat Division, where riders competed in Over Fences, Under Saddle, and Equitation on the Flat classes. Franklin County 4-H members Lillianna Schaefer, Alexis Wilson, and Caroline Wright-Briscoe showcased their abilities and qualified for the District VI 4-H Horse Show.
Congratulations to all Franklin County 4-H members on a successful day of competition and learning. The Franklin County 4-H Horse Program also extends its thanks to the 4-H Horse Roundup Show Committee for planning and delivering an outstanding event and to the many volunteers, families, and supporters who helped make the day a success.
Best wishes to the 10 Franklin County 4-H members who qualified for and will compete at the District VI 4-H Horse Show, to be held August 15–16 in Columbia, Pennsylvania. We wish them continued success as they represent Franklin County on the district level.
Individuals interested in learning more about the Franklin County 4-H Horse Program, which is open to youth ages 5–18, are encouraged to contact the Franklin County Extension Office at 717-263-9226 or email Franklin County 4-H Educator Quinn Martin at qxc114@psu.edu.
