The 2025 NC State 4-H Horsebowl Contest, a showcase of equine knowledge and quick thinking, was held on March 8th, 2025, at NC State University. Held in conjunction with the State Hippology Contests, the event drew 142 youth participants across 27 teams, competing in Junior, Senior, and Mixed divisions. Additionally, 17 enthusiastic Cloverbud participants, aged 5-7, engaged in four rounds of spirited play, demonstrating their budding equine expertise.
In the Junior division, the Onslow County team emerged victorious after nine rounds of play. Ryan Ljunggren, Kennedy Ljunggren, Kaitlyn Trail, Brinley Raynor, and Vernonica Kitzmiller, under the guidance of volunteer leader Kelley Ljunggren, secured the first-place team title. Layla Terry from Halifax County earned the high scoring junior individual award.
The Mixed division saw the Nash County going undefeated in bracket play to claim the championship. Elizabeth Hanson, Brooklyn Pearce, Piper Davis, and Leah Grove were coached by Nash County volunteer leader Wanda Bunn. Alamance County 4-H'er Madison Sharpsteen earned the high scoring mixed individual honors.
In the Senior division, the Union County team, coached by Angela Kaus, mirrored Nash County's success, also achieving an undefeated record in bracket play to secure the first-place title. Team members were Megan Montgomery, Kylee Greene, Rori Michaud, and Rebecca Reid. Megan Montgomery also captured the high scoring senior individual award.
This year's contest was generously sponsored by The Dale Earnhardt Foundation, whose support played a crucial role in making the event possible.
