All equestrians residing in St. Lawrence County are invited to participate in our 4-H Equestrian Essay Contest, sharing your experiences and insights as an equestrian. This contest honors the memory of Myrissa Lauren Murray, a young equestrian who passed away on February 21, 2019. Myrissa had a deep passion for showing her Appaloosa horses during her teenage years and was proud to be invited to the World Show in Fort Worth with her gelding, Clear Distinction.

Through this essay contest, Myrissa’s parents, Tracey and George Murray, along with her brother Ethan, aim to pass on Myrissa’s love of horses to other equestrians.

The winner of the essay contest will receive Myrissa’s personal horse fund bank containing $150 along with two horse mugs to share with their supporters. 

An honorable mention will receive $50 along with a free one-hour lesson at Equestrian Sport Training Center in Winthrop, available in either English or Western disciplines. The runner up may use one of ESTC’s lesson horses or the trailering of their horse to ESTC from within St. Lawrence County will be provided.

Contest Rules:

• Submission Period: The contest opens on January 1, 2025, and closes on February 28, 2025. Winners will be announced on March 19, 2025.
• Essay Requirements: Your essay should be between 250 and 500 words, single-spaced. Please include your full name and age ***This is your opportunity to thank your supporters for their encouragement in your equestrian endeavors. All youth are welcome to enter this contest! Whether your passion for horses has led you to ride in various disciplines or to develop a strong partnership with your own horse, a leased horse, a lesson horse, or even a borrowed horse from a friend, neighbor, or relative, everyone is eligible to participate. We want to see how you have embraced your journey and the knowledge you have gained along the way!
• Guiding Questions: To help structure your essay, please respond to the following questions: 

1. How are you supported or encouraged in your love of horses?
2. What are your goals as an equestrian?
3. How have you ensured you provide quality care for your horse?
4. Quality horse care can be expensive. How do you contribute to these costs now? If you have long-term goals, how do you plan to afford horses in your future?
5. What steps will you take to achieve your equestrian goals? What is your plan?
6. Beyond saying “thank you,” how do you show appreciation to your supporters?
7. How do you encourage others at the barn or during competitions, considering your environment as an equestrian? This applies whether you are a barn client, club or team member, or an independent equestrian.
8. What have you learned about yourself through your love for horses?

NOTE: St. Lawrence County 4-H members can count this essay contest towards their required educational events. Your completed essay can also be used for a 4-H Public Presentation. Non-4-H equestrians interested in joining 4-H can get more information by calling the Cornell Cooperative Extension at 315-379-9192. 4-H offers numerous equine educational opportunities!

Essays will be evaluated based on how thoroughly all required subjects are covered and the thoughtfulness demonstrated in your writing. Please submit your essay to tlh233@cornell.edu by the closing date.