The 4-H Spurs & Burrs Horse Bowl Team recently represented Graham County 4-H at the West District 4-H Horse Bowl competition, gaining valuable experience and building life skills along the way. The competition was held at Southwestern Community College in Sylva, NC on Saturday, February 7th.

Team members included Haylen Lovelace (age 12), Kinleigh Gibbs (age 15), Marley Carpenter (age 10), Briella Icenhower (age 10), and Kenlyn Powell (age 11). The team faced strong competition from across the district and demonstrated noticeable growth throughout the event.

While the Spurs & Burrs team did not bring home the overall win, they demonstrated teamwork, improved knowledge, and great sportsmanship, something each member should be proud of! All members gained hands-on learning experiences, strengthened their confidence, and supported the team through every round.

The success of the 4-H Spurs & Burrs Horse Bowl contest would not be possible without the dedication of our 4-H horse club volunteers and coaches. Their time, patience, and commitment to teaching not only equine knowledge but also leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship make a lasting impact on our youth. We extend our sincere thanks for the encouragement, guidance, and countless hours invested in helping our members grow, learn, and enjoy every step of the 4-H experience. Thank you to Kayla Adams (Team Coach & Club Leader), Kasondra Lovelace (Co-Leader & 4-H Volunteer), and Stacy Carpenter (4-H Volunteer).

Most importantly, the day was filled with learning, fun, and a shared love for horses—key components of the 4-H horse club experience. Graham County 4-H is proud of their efforts and looks forward to their continued growth and experience in future competitions.