4-H Winter Classic Horse Show Series Heldby Gina Wills, Extension 4-H Agent, Union County Five counties in Northeast Mississippi joined together in 2007 to start the 4-H Winter Classic Horse Show Series season. The counties participating included Lee, Union, Tippah, Pontotoc and Prentiss. These counties formed a committee and with the 4-H motto in mind, set their goal. The goal was to start a series for 4-H members to get early practice for the District 4-H Horse Show, give them the opportunity to try new classes, start a new horse and compete for outstanding prizes. Thirty-six classes were on the schedule at each show. The 2008 4-H Winter Classic Horse Show Series season started in January with the first show being at Pontotoc and the second show held at Ripley. Lee county hosted the third show and the first ever Winter Classic dance at the Lee County Agri-Center. Mother nature caused a little trouble for the fourth show to be held in Prentiss county but the show was rescheduled and held on Easter Weekend. The final show was held on March 29th at the Union County Arena. A dance and awards ceremony was held following the show. New this year was the addition of the 4-H Winter Classic website. This helped to keep exhibitors and parents up to date on dates, changes, and other useful show information. Exhibitors were also able to pre-register on the web site. Visit the web site at http://www.4hwinterclassic.com.4-H members were required to show in 3 of the 5 shows in order to be eligible for the awards. Lonestar belt buckles were presented to the 9 division high point winners. Trophies were presented to the class division winners. The Overall High Point received a monogrammed jacket. The five county committee also presented an outstanding 4-H Member Award. This award was presented to a 4-H member that the committee felt had show outstanding character inside and outside of the arena. Plans are already being made for the 2009 4-H Winter Classic Series. If you would like more information about the shows, please contact Gina Wills, Extension 4-H Agent at 662-534-1916. Class Champions included: Hunter Bryant—Gaited Showmanship; Dakota Belue—Pony Walk/Jog; Kelly Lovelace—Saddle & Gaited Hater Mares, Sr. Gaited Pleasure, Sr. Flat Shod Class; Brooke Lovelace—Sr. Stake Race; Miranda Stevens—Stock Type Halter Mares, Jr. Barrels; Montana Parks—Pony Barrels; Sr. Barrels—McKenzie Moorman; Ryan Hollis—Sr. Western Pleasure; Madison Henry—Pony Poles; Katy Penny—Western Riding; Rachel Moore—Reining and Trail; Jonah Collins—Jr. Stake Race and Hannah Collins—Sr. Stake Race.