Georgia 4-H- 'Team Georgia'

Two students from Union County, Beth Fox and Sara Bottenelle were part of Georgia 4-H "Team Georgia." This group of thirty-eight riders from all over the state participated in the 2006 Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships in Raleigh, NC from July 25 to 30. There were eleven states competing: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Texas. Nearly four-hundred riders competed in Western, English Huntseat, Saddle seat, and Contest Events. Each 4-Her competed in three events. Their scores were combined to arrive at a total show score for each rider.

Dr. Keri K. Turner form the University of Georgia, led Team Georgia to an impressive showing. Out of the thirty-eight riders for Georgia eighteen placed in the top ten of their class. Most classes had upwards of seventy people entered and some had 141 people. So Georgia did very well. To qualify, for the Southern

Regional 4-H Championships 4-Her's had to finish as one of the top four in their division. Both, Sara and Beth competed in the Saddle seat division. this was the most impressive group for Georgia at the regional show. All of the Georgia 4-Hers in this division place in at least one class. In the state 4-H show Sara

Bottenelle competed at the Junior level. This group is made up of experienced riders who have not entered the ninth grade. At the Regional Championship there are no age groups, everyone competed together. To be selected to compete at the regional show was a great accomplishment for Sara in her first year of state composition.

Sara's over all score place her at 21st. She and her horse, Musica De Maracas, a Paso Fino, caught the eye of the judge in every class.

Beth Fox earned her spot on the Georgia team by winning first place in each of her classes at the Southern Regional show. Beth was one of three riders from Georgia to win their class. She won the Non-Trotting Pleasure class. Beth and her horse Capers Delightful Girl, a Tennessee Walking Horse showed well, finishing ninth over all.

All the Georgia 4-Hers did a wonderful job. Dr. Turner said of the Georgia team-they rode very well, but the thing that most impressed me was how well they represented Georgia outside the riding arenas. They were extremely, thoughtful, courteous, and very

willing to help one another. They had absolutely the best sportsmanship of any other riding group I have been around. They really did a super job and made me proud to be the Georgia specialist. We had the best 4-Hers there. Hands down.

Beth and Sara are members of the Union County 2 Bit 4-H Horse Club. Information about this club and 4-H in general can be obtained from the County Extension office.