Dawson youth earns state 4-H title
Samantha Murphy, 19, of Dawson, visits her quarter horse Chris every day at Falk Performance Horses in Star Junction. Since Samantha could walk, horses have been a part of her life.
Rebecca Devereaux|蘑菇视频
Pictured are Samantha Murphy, 19, of Dawson, is pictured with her quarter horse Chris.
Rebecca Devereaux|蘑菇视频
Chris, a 10-year-old quarter horse, has competed with his owner, Samantha Murphy of Dawson, in Pennsylvania蘑菇视频 4-H Horse Program.
In a year when her horse蘑菇视频 health prevented their participation in many competitions, Samantha Murphy蘑菇视频 continued commitment to 4-H and selfless service to others resulted in her being named one of the top five outstanding members in the Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Program.
鈥淚t was exhilarating. I never thought I would make it but it was well worth it in the end,鈥� said Murphy, 19, of Dawson. 鈥淚 was really happy.鈥�
Murphy received the honor at the Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show in Harrisburg late last year.
鈥淚t蘑菇视频 recognizing that person who does more than the requirements of the horse program,鈥� explained Jennifer Deichert, extension educator, noting, 鈥淪amantha is a Grade A performer and not only involved in her project but in the overall concept of 4-H community service.鈥�
A 2015 graduate of Frazier High School and currently employed by Woodcrest Senior-Living Community in Scottdale, Murphy recently completed 11 years of 4-H, having horse, beef, lamb and swine projects.
鈥淚 started riding before I could walk,鈥� related Murphy, a daughter of Jeffrey and Jennifer Murphy. 鈥淢y mom threw me on one of her horses and I fell in love.鈥�
In recent years, Murphy competed with her 10-year-old quarter horse, officially named You鈥檙e in Good Hands. His barn name is Chris.
鈥淚鈥檝e had several horses but he蘑菇视频 my favorite,鈥� said Murphy of Chris, later noting, 鈥淚t蘑菇视频 a bond. He works together with me and we make the dream happen.鈥�
Chris developed a bone spur on his front right leg that required surgery last June and put the two out of competition for a while.
鈥淚 didn鈥檛 want to push him,鈥� Murphy said. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 show all year, except for the fair.鈥�
While this was Murphy蘑菇视频 last year of 4-H, she kept up her spirits and remained active in the horse program. Murphy wrote about this in the nomination form, noting the time gave her an opportunity to be more involved with 4-H members.
鈥淚 know them now as more than just another rider but, instead, as a person who has interests besides the show ring,鈥� Murphy wrote. 鈥淭he show ring has brought them into my life but by having spare time, I was able to help the other members with their projects. By working with the younger members, I have been able to gain a higher level of patience and have become able to adapt to the level of instruction that applies to the rider.鈥�
Vicki Usher, leader of the Dawson 4-H Horse Club, nominated Murphy, calling her a 鈥渧ery valuable person to our club.鈥�
Noting Murphy蘑菇视频 leadership skills, Usher wrote, 鈥淚 have come to rely on her to carry through with each assigned task and she has always exceeded my expectations. She is always the first person to jump in and help the younger members and has become someone to seek out for help. Samantha is constantly offering new ideas to help better the club, involving educating the members and fundraising.鈥�
Alex Falk, Murphy蘑菇视频 trainer, wrote in the nomination, 鈥淎s a former 4-H member and president of the same club Samantha belongs to, I have seen how hard she tried to keep the members interested in the 4-H program and how hard she tries to bring educational material to them so they understand why they need to learn.鈥�
Falk noted that Murphy encourages youths to join 4-H, presenting the program in a manner that makes them want to be part of the organization.
She added, 鈥淪amantha is the first to step up to the task and is able to perform the task with minimal supervision. She is able to organize the group and start them in their tasks. I am able to leave my stable with 35 horses under her supervision, knowing that she will make sure all the animals are being tended with the proper feeding and exercise schedule.鈥�
Chris healed in time to compete with Murphy in events at the Fayette County Fair in July. Murphy qualified for district competition at Westmoreland fairgrounds in September that included youths from Fayette, Washington, Westmoreland, Armstrong, Indiana and Allegheny counties. From that, Murphy qualified for state competition in Harrisburg that was held at the end of October. She placed in the top 10 in Western grooming and showmanship competition.
While at state competition, Murphy was recognized as one of the top five members of the Pennsylvania 4-H horse program.
Deichert explained the award is not just for performance but for what the 4-H youth learned from her participation in 4-H.
Murphy wrote in her application, 鈥淚 have learned that 4-H is indeed a special place where friendships are made, knowledge is shared and skills are acquired.鈥�
But she also pointed out, 鈥淚 have learned that life is not based on a show ring but, rather, what you can carry out of the show ring. I have learned that hard work will pay off and perseverance is a must. I have younger members coming up to me and now asking my advice. 4-H has given me confidence in myself that I would not have been able to achieve by myself.鈥�