4-Hers begin their journey to Nationals through the local 4-H clubs. This is where Melissa made the greatest impact as a volunteer, teaching 4-Hers about the horse through horse bowl and hippology!

As 4-Hers learn more about the horse, they have opportunities at the District level to compete and earn awards, by demonstrating what they know about the horse. Melissa ensured that her 4-Her's experienced this level of competition, to open opportunity for a bigger world beyond their community.

After qualifying at the District level, all 4-Her's have the opportunity to compete at EquiSmartz in the spring. This is the state level educational contest where top winners move on to Regionals and Nationals. Melissa enjoyed seeing her youth compete and win at the State level! Little did they know what amazing opportunities abound beyond State!

4-Hers travel to Perry, GA at the end of July every year to be a part of the Virginia Delegation, representing the best of the best competing with 13 Southern states which come together at the Southern Regional 4-H Championships. Melissa coached her highly competitive teams in both Horse Bowl, Hippology, and in the Communications Contest. Traveling to Georgia gives many youth a chance of a lifetime to meet other like-minded, horse-loving 4-Hers, creating opportunities and friendships that they would never have otherwise.

Senior 4-Hers grow in their knowledge of the horse from their early roots at the local level, paving their way to Nationals by working hard at being the best that they can be! Melissa coached her National teams with weekly study sessions! Today, 4-Hers study weekly with their state team coaches and travel to Louisville, KY to compete against 25 states every year in early November with great hopes and an excellent chance at bringing home home a National Championship!