Benson County's team placed first in the 4-H senior division of the hippology contest hosted by the North Dakota Winter Show.

The team also earned the right to represent North Dakota 4-H at the Western National hippology contest in Denver, Colo., in January.

Hippology is the study of horses and all areas of horsemanship, with emphasis on knowledge of the animal, health, breeds, tack, nutrition, care and training.

Benson County team members are Janna Rice, Kristine Keller and Sharisa Yri. Barb Rice is the team's coach.

Other top teams in the contest were: Cass County, second place; Mercer County, third; Barnes County, fourth; and Ransom County, fifth.

Amanda Jacobson, Cass County, placed first individually.

In the 4-H junior division, the Barnes County team of Layne Larson, Amanda Tangen and Taylor Storhoff placed first. Other top teams were: Burleigh County, second; Kidder County, third; Dickey County, fourth; and Benson County, fifth.

In the junior division, all team members work together on each section of the contest. Judges do not give individual awards.

Agriculture Communication