The Sargent County 4-H Horsein Around Hippology members kicked off 2026 with a strong showing at the Little International contest at the NDSU Equine facility in Fargo while also earning support for a new hands-on career exploration project.
Competing in their first contest of the year, the junior team earned first place in Horse Judging and fifth place in the team test portion, finishing eighth overall. Junior team members include Laura Delahoyde, Daphne Bosse, Alice Hopkins and Ella Ingvalson.
In the senior division, Alison Kottke and Lily Mundt teamed up with Emma Rodine and Hannah Woodruff from Dickey County to capture first place. Individually, Lily Mundt placed fifth overall and Alison Kottke placed 10th overall. The teams are coached by Jacy Bopp, Julie Hassebroek and Christine Bopp. Their next contest will be Feb. 28 in Lisbon at the Southeast Judging Classic.
In addition to their competitive success, Mariah Bopp, Alison Kottke and Lily Mundt were recently awarded a $1,000 Beyond Ready Grant from NDSU Extension. With assistance from volunteer leader Christine Bopp, the youth developed a project focused on exploring equine-related careers through hands-on learning experiences.
Through the grant, the group plans to visit Sandy Ridge Equine Acuscope and Myopulse, Horner Equine, Revive Equine LLC and Dar’s Horseshoeing. Participants will gain exposure to veterinary science, equine massage, acuscope and myopulse therapies, and water therapy. They also plan to create social media posts and short videos highlighting the wide range of careers available in equine science.
The Beyond Ready Grant is designed to empower youth to explore career pathways and discover their interests, giving these 4-H members an opportunity to expand their knowledge beyond the show ring.
