Veterinary Sciences student wins 4H district competition

Congratulations to Shaler Area junior Victoria Scariot and her miniature horse Nelson who recently placed first in the mini in-hand trail competition in 4H Districts! 

The district competition was held in Fayette County, and they also qualified for the state show in late October.  Victoria and Nelson also placed seventh in grooming and showmanship. 

The mini in-hand trail competition consists of a trainer guiding their horse through an obstacle course with poles, gates, cones, and more. 

“I started about seven years ago in 2015 with a different horse, but we didn’t get along well,” Victoria said. “Then I switched to training Nelson and I’ve loved it because we have such a nice relationship and connection. It’s also nice going to shows and seeing hard work paying off and knowing that judges see our hard work paying off.” 

This is the second consecutive year that Victoria and Nelson will advance to the state show.   

“Making it to states is an enormous accomplishment,” Victoria said. “To win at districts means that Nelson is listening well to me, and we are working well together. Making it to states is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we’re fortunate to do it again.” 

Victoria is a first-year student in A.W. Beattie’s Veterinary Sciences program. She hopes to be a veterinary technician or a veterinarian.  

“I’m learning a lot of new things in (Veterinary Sciences) that I didn’t know before,” Victoria said. “I’m enjoying it. It’s nice, too, to meet new people from different school districts. I’m exciting to continue learning to expand my education.” 

Good Luck at States!