Over the last several years, participation in the Demonstration Contest for 4-H has grown slowly but surely since Kristal Ford took her demonstration to the State Fair in Blackfoot.  At the time, she was the sole participant.  Last year, several more students signed up, and this year four 4-H members presented their information on a variety of topics.  

Samantha Schrenk, “Equine Health”

Samantha went through the most important health issues to be aware of when raising horses.  She discussed food, water needs, mineral and nutrient needs, as well as issues such as horse dentistry and other medical needs.

She also discussed addressing changes in feed.  Samantha suggested owners make changes gradually to reduce risk of upset.  One method is to replace 25% every two days.  Gradual changes are important for every major alteration to a horse’s environment and care.

Samantha advised not to feed immediately before or after exercise.  Let horse cool completely down.  Horses thrive on routine, and have an amazingly accurate internal clock.  

She ended by summarizing the things to remember—clean water, feed twice a day, provide roughage, avoid musty or moldy feed, give enough time to digest, provide access to salt and minerals, treat for worms.  

Cassidy Schrenk, “Equine First Aid Kit”

Cassidy discussed a first aid kit for riders to have on hand for horses.  It is important to always have immediate resources available in case of an incident.  She suggested that the kit needs to be portable, well organized, and airtight.

Equipment for the kit should include: a thermometer, stethoscope, latex or rubber gloves, water, scrubbing brush, sharp knife or scissors, water, wire cutters, tweeers, clippers, flashlight, clean bath sized towels, syringe and needles, hoof pick.

A trick that Cassidy mentioned she had discovered was to put a hole in lid of the water bottle to create pressure and allow for better application to a wound.  Use tweezers for ticks and splinters.  Use clippers to clean around wound.  Use a flashlight to clean in dark stall.  Towels are used for wound compression, or to lay items on to stay away from dirt.

Wound Care items include antiseptic scrub (Iodine), hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, alcohol wipes, wound creams, and popsicle sticks.

Bandage equipment includes cotton rolls/diapers, Vet Wrap, Athletic Tape, (Duct Tape) of course), and Electrical tape.

Meds include: Probiotic, Electra Boost, Butte and ir Banamine, Fly Spray.

Cassidy explained that materials could be purchased online easily.

Maudee Leavitt—5 Ws of Vaccinations

Maudee Leavitt gave a rundown of vaccinations, starting by explaining the “what?”   in which she explained what vaccines are and how they work.

The “Who” covered the fact that most vaccines are given at birth, branding, weaning, and prior to the season.  Most feedlots will vaccinate cows coming in.  Producers should work with vets to determine which are most effective and useful for area.  If you buy steer from breeder, it will be done for you.

The “When” should be before the animal encounters disease.  Maudee explained that vaccines need 2-6 weeks to build a response and work correctly.  A booster about 4 weeks after the first shot.

The “Where covered injection sites.  Every place where an animal is poked becomes a site.  Reactions can result from injection sites that are used often.  Shots should be given in the neck area for least intrusion.

The “Why” explained that there are many diseases and pathogens that cows encounter.  Every time an animal gets sick, there are losses in weight and production.  Some diseases can cause death.

Austin Schrenk—“How to Tie a Horse”

Austin Schrenk presented a tutorial on tying three main knots that she uses to tie her horse.  The knots can be used to keep horses safe during emergencies. The knots discussed included the “Bank Robber Knot,” “Slipknot,” and “Haeflinger’s Hitch.  Austin said that she liked the Bank Robber’s knot best, as it was easy to tie and use.

Judge Jaime Olsen took a bit of time coming to her decision.  The judging for 4-H demonstration is based on a number of factors, and the event is one that can be pursued at the State Fair.  The participant’s knowledge of the subject area, speaking skills, and ability to answer questions and respond to the judges are all factored in.  

At the end of the day, Samantha Schrenk was awarded first and Cassidy second in their division, and Austin Schrenk won first and Maudee Leavitt second in the younger division.