Released October 6, 2010
EAST LANSING, Mich. — The results have been tallied, the winners announced, the long hours of preparation and contest jitters a distant memory, and the work to hold the event completed for another year. Thanks to on-site assistance and support from volunteers, family members and friends, the annual Michigan 4-H State Horse Show brought rewards to participants and spectators – and the local economy.
Six hundred 4-H participants representing 55 Michigan counties competed in the three-day event held at the end of August at the Michigan State University (MSU) Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education here.
Exhibitors, who prequalified to compete in the event, performed in a variety of class categories ranging from gymkhana classes (timed events like barrel racing) to precision-judged equitation and western and hunt seat pleasure events. They also entered non-animal competitions in art and communication around equine-related topics.
The attendance numbers translated into large dividends for the local economy. According to figures calculated from a standard formula developed by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), this year’s State 4-H Horse Show had an estimated $840,000 economic impact on the East Lansing area. The equation took into consideration the number of horses and participants competing in the event, the approximate number of spectators, the duration of the event, and the estimated amount of money spent by each individual.
East Lansing was not the only beneficiary from this annual youth event. Competitors, parents, volunteers and spectators also enjoyed the MSU Pavilion’s amenities and a variety of wares offered by commercial vendors that ranged from clothing and gear to supplies for equine enthusiasts.
“Without the help and support from our many volunteers, sponsors and commercial vendors, this event could not be as successful as it is every year,” acknowledges Taylor Fabus, 2010 State 4-H Horse Show organizer.
Though the State 4-H Horse Show benefited the community and provided entertainment for spectators, MSU Extension equine specialist Karen Waite noted the ones to benefit the most were the 4-H participants.
“The State 4-H Horse Show helps kids learn how to set goals, understand the various sides of competition, and realize the importance of good sportsmanship and how to be first-rate competitors,” she said. “Personally, competing in this show influenced my career choice and the path that I followed. Not all of the contestants will pursue the same path that I did or continue to be involved in showing horses or the equine industry, but the experience definitely leaves them with the skills they need to learn how to achieve their goals.”
“The State 4-H Horse Show is different from a regular horse show because it focuses on helping youth participants develop practical life skills,” Fabus added. “4-H works hard to combine education with competition. The competitive events provide 4-H members with an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned.”
The 2011 State 4-H Horse Show is scheduled for Aug. 12-14 at the MSU Pavilion. For more information on 4-H equine programs, contact Waite at kwaite@msu.edu or visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/horsekids. For more information on the annual State 4-H Horse Show, contact Fabus at tenlenta@msu.edu.
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Contact: Sara Long, 517-432-1555 ext. 223
