The NC State 4-H Horse Show Sportsmanship Awards honor the memory of longtime Rockingham County 4-H Leader Pam Holland and are generously sponsored by the North Central District 4-H Horse Council. Throughout the show, youth, leaders, coaches, and parents can nominate outstanding junior and senior 4-H'ers who demonstrate exceptional sportsmanship. Following the nomination deadline, the advisory committee reviews all submissions to select the annual recipients.

Here is what was shared about this year’s award winners:

Junior Sportsmanship Winner: Hallie Hardy, Lee County

This year’s junior sportsmanship award winner goes above and beyond to help everyone around her. You will rarely see her without a smile on her face, encouraging her friends and strangers to be the best they can be. When times are tough, you can find her being the unwavering support her club needs. She always puts her horses first. She has put in the time and effort, not just in the show ring, but in the barn and exercise ring as well. She’s not just a rider; she’s a feeder, a groomer, a nurse, and a friend to her horse - because that’s her teammate. She is “horse people” in every sense of the word. She is determined to continue growing in this sport and improving in every way she can. The mark that this young equestrian leaves on her sport is one that the 4-H can be proud of.

Senior Sportsmanship Winner: Abigail Poirrier, Currituck County

This 4-H member is a true team player. She demonstrates exceptional camaraderie, encouraging and supporting everyone in all of their classes, even if she is competing against them. She never sacrifices friendship and community for an award, always keeping the true values of 4-H at the forefront. She is always the first to help a friend by cheering them on, sharing advice, helping tack, feeding, or bathing. She is an excellent role model for younger club members as well.