Northwestern Lehigh High School student Julie Long was honored Feb. 23 by the state House of Representatives for her state championship in the Senior Ride Pony Division of the Barrel Race during the 55th annual Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show in Harrisburg last October.

State Rep. Gary Day R-187th, hosted her visit to the state Capitol.

Long also earned a silver medal in the Cutback event with her pony, Colorado Concheta.

Both events were in the 14.2 hands and under category.

During the weekend-long show, Long competed with 700 youth from 62 counties and in 73 performance categories.

There were more than 1,200 entries qualifying for the show.

"Sports like these require participants to interact with an animal to become a finely tuned machine that competes with joint strength and athleticism to achieve victory," Day said. "That is why it is fitting we honor this state champion."

In presenting the citation to Long, Day remarked on her skillful use of her abilities and unwavering dedication in pursuit of athletic excellence.

Day also commended her participation in the Lehigh County 4-H Program, which is designed to develop life skills in youth and knowledge of horse production, use and management.

Long is the daughter of Perry and Liz Long of New Tripoli.