PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Patricia M. Comerford, Extension equine specialist in Penn State’s Department of Dairy and Animal Science, received the 2010 Outstanding Service Award in special ceremonies at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup recently in Louisville, Ky.
Honored for her 19 years of service to the event, Comerford has served as a judge, co-superintendent of the Team Presentation contest and most recently as co-superintendent of the Individual Presentation contest.
As a member of the Eastern National Management Committee, she also served on the nominating committee and helped to revise the standard operating procedures and national communication contests rules.
As equine specialist, Comerford coordinates and provides leadership to the Pennsylvania 4-H horse program, assists with state extension horse programs for adults, and collaborates with equine industry groups and breed organizations.
Activities
An instructor of animal science, she serves as an undergraduate adviser for students with an equine science interest. She is a past president and board member of the American Youth Horse Council, a board member and youth committee co-chair of the Pa. Equine Council and active in the Pa. Quarter Horse and American Quarter Horse Association.
She is a member of Gamma Sigma Delta Agricultural Society and received their 2009 Award for Outstanding Extension Outreach and Service. She also is a member of Alpha Zeta Honorary Agricultural Fraternity.
An avid horsewoman, she has been involved in the horse industry as an owner, breeder, rider, farm manger and educator for more than 40 years. Comerford received a B.S. with high honors from Clemson University as an animal science major and environmental science minor.
Education
She also earned her M.S. at Clemson in equine nutrition, and she maintains Professional Animal Scientist accreditation with the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists with an equine specialization.
With a primary focus on youth equine extension, Comerford’s major interests include horsemanship and safety education, and applied production and management practices.
The Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup is held as part of the North American International Livestock Exposition.
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