Do you know all 39 bones in a rabbit's body? Can you name the 27 organs in a rabbit's digestive system? How about naming the 23 body parts of a rabbit?
No? Well there are six senior 4-H members who can name almost, if not all, of them.
Carrying a 4-H animal project is more than knowing how to take care of the animal. These students could easily be on track for a pre-vet program. In fact, at least two of the six who competed in the Howard County Rabbit Judging Contest are planning to pursue a medical degree in college.
On Aug. 11, 14 4-H'ers competed in the county rabbit judging contest at the Howard County Fair. Besides having to identify the bones, digestive organs, and body parts of a rabbit, they were tested on proper nutrition and housing, equipment, breeds and varieties, rabbit show disqualifications, and diseases. They were required to judge a class of rabbits, identifying which ones came closer to the ideal stated by the American Rabbit Breeders' Association. They then had to present to a judge their decision and justify their reasoning.
Just for fun, I, along with parents Laura Hulett and Kathy Buckley, took the senior test. This contest is not easy, as I can attest to personally.
In addition to the 14 who competed in the contest, another nine Clovers and beginners took a modified test to earn a participation ribbon. Next year, many of those 4-H'ers may be ready to compete against each other in the regular contest.
Of the 14 who did compete, the four highest scorers in each age division qualified to represent Howard County in the state competition. The next four highest scorers qualified to compete for individual awards. The State Rabbit Judging Contest will take place Saturday, Sept. 3 at the State Fair, in Timonium. At this competition, 4-H'ers from across the state will demonstrate their knowledge of rabbits during a three-hour-long test. By the way, the kids are not allowed to talk at all during the three hours except when presenting their oral reasons to a judge.
Are you ready to know who the county winners were? In the Junior division (ages 8-10), Laurie Curry placed first, Harrison Mayo took second and Kelly Spicer was third.
In the Intermediate division (ages 11-13), Rose Sanicola was first, Emily Buckley was second, Bayleigh Chappel earned third, Karlie Capozzoli took fourth and Matthew Hulett was fifth.
In the Senior division (ages 14-18), Kari Splitter was the winner, followed by Vickie Handler in second place, Stephanie Clark in third, Kristen Clark in fourth, Amy Bodine took fifth and Rachel Curry placed sixth.
Good luck to all the Howard County 4-H'ers at the state competition Sept. 3! I know you will represent our county well!