Despite the cold, windy, day about 100 people turned out to honor Sara L. Withrow of Spotsylvania County's Stars 'n' Blazes 4-H Horse and Pony Club for her award winning artwork that was featured on the 2008 Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center's holiday card.

Sara's design was prominently displayed at the recent recognition and educational event and, following the award presentation, Virginia Tech alumni and faculty shared their education and career journeys with the audience.

Sara lives with her parents, Jennifer and Scott, and her 14-year-old brother, Kenny, in Spotsylvania County where she began riding horses when she was nine-years-old. She learned to ride on her now retired mare, a 28-year-old Hungarian Warmblood named Maggie.

Currently, Sara rides her seven-year-old Morgan Thoroughbred cross, Lady. She enjoys participating in Gymkhana classes, which are "games on horseback". An active member of the Spotsylvania County 4-H horse and pony club, Stars 'n' Blazes, Withrow was accepted to be a 4-H All Star this year. In her club, Withrow is busy with many upcoming events one of which is the State 4-H Horse Show that will take place in September in Lexington, Virginia.

The Stars 'n' Blazes 4-H horse and pony club is part of the comprehensive youth development program of Virginia Cooperative Extension. The 4-H agent for the club is Scott Woodard and its volunteer leaders are Deanna Poates, Hilary Parr and Heather Hockaday, as well as, Withrow's mother, Jennifer. You may visit the club's website at www.starsnblazes.com

Everyone enjoyed hearing the education journeys of Becky Carter, postdoctoral researcher at New Bolton Center, Shea Porr, superintendent at the MARE Center and Crystal Smith, animal science agent for Warren County. Each of these inspiring women detailed how they became associated with Virginia Tech and the MARE Center.

The audience, comprised mostly of 4-H horse and pony club members from throughout the State of Virginia, listened with eagerness and enthusiasm.

The event concluded with a wonderful lunch catered by Mill Valley, Inc. (www.millvalleybbq.com) and with tours of the MARE Center and Lazy Lane Farm in Upperville, Va.

It can truly be said that "…a good time was had by all."