The Hooved Angels 4-H Club of Snoqualmie earned several top honors during equestrian competition earlier this summer in Enumclaw.

Alisha Armstrong, 18, took home the grand champion award in the open jumping competition for the senior class. Armstrong also scored blue ribbons for her performances in hunt seat equitation, advanced riding and showmanship. She is part of the King County 4-H team that will compete at the state fair in Puyallup against all counties statewide.

Kiele Armstrong, 14, in the intermediate class, received blue ribbons in dressage, jumping, hunt seat equitation, bareback, advanced riding and showmanship. She also received the reserve grand champion award in jumping.

Haley Rayl, 13, in the novice class, was rewarded for her efforts with the reserve grand champion award in trail and hunt seat equitation. Rayl earned blue ribbons in trail, hunt seat equitation, bareback and showmanship.

Kyrsten Claffey, 14, in the novice class, earned the grand champion award in hunt seat equitation. Kyrsten also earned blue ribbons in trail, hunt seat equitation, bareback and showmanship.

While Alisha Armstrong graduates from the 4-H horse project after the state fair, Kiele, Haley and Kyrsten intend to carry the torch for their club for the next few years. Parents and their children help each other grow in the 4-H horse project.

Children learn about responsibility in a team environment that prepares them for adulthood. 4-H is not just about riding horses — youths learn public speaking, how to research topics, safety, record-keeping, fund-raising and more. Other projects include showing chickens, dogs, cats, rabbits, and livestock.

For more information about the Hooved Angels, call (425) 888-6636.