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Washington Parish 4-H Clover Explorers members and sisters Rozlyn and Lacyn Hayden, let their hard work and dedication to training pay off at the Louisiana 4-H Southeast District Horse Show and the Louisiana 4-H State Horse Show.

The Hayden sisters are also members of the Tri-Parish 4-H Horse Club that meets monthly in Washington Parish at Crain Arena. Rozlyn and Lacyn spend more than just a few hours here and there to develop their skills as horsewomen. They care for their horses daily and practice their riding skills several times per week.

While competing at the Southeast District Horse Show, Lacyn won first place in Pole Bending 13 and under, Barrel Racing 13 and under, and Stake Race 13 and under. These first-place wins ultimately resulted in her winning Hi Point Individual for 13 and under speed events and sending her to the state competition. While at the Louisiana 4-H State Horse Show, Lacyn won second place in Pole Bending 13 and under, second place in Barrel Racing 13 and under, and eighth place in Stake Race 13 and under. These high placings again resulted in Lacyn being named Hi Point Individual for 13 and under speed events. For her efforts, Lacyn has been awarded several rosettes and two Hi Point Individual Belt Buckles. She and her horse, Bloomer, are now preparing to attend the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Show in Perry, Ga., from July 28 through Aug. 1.

Older sister Rozlyn Handen is quite the horsewoman herself. While competing at the Southeast District Horse Show, Rozlyn won third place in Stake Race 13 and under, eighth place in Pole Bending 13 and under, and 15th place in Barrel Racing 13 and under. Rozlyn also participated in the Louisiana 4-H State Horse Show, taking first place in Stake Race 13 and under. Rozlyn put her skills to the test and pushed her horse to perform the best she could. She will be attending the Southern Regional Horse Show to support her sister and learn from older 4-H members from across the Southern U.S.

We are very proud of all our Tri-Parish Horse club participants and their hard work that paid off at the district and state horse show.

If you are interested in learning more about the Tri-Parish Horse Club or the WP4-H Clover Explorers Homeschool 4-H Club, please call Beth B. Putnam at the LSU AgCenter at 985-839-7855.

This article was written by Beth B. Putnam, who is the Washington Parish 4-H Youth Development Professional Parish Chair.