Horse show tests 4-Hers’ skills, knowledge
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RONAN — After a week of spotlighting sheep, goats, cattle and other farm animals at the Lake County Fair, the horses got their turn Saturday morning. The 4-H Horse Show, held at the fairgrounds in Ronan this year, featured around 20 local competitors.
“It went really well,” 4-H horse superintendent Marla Gullickson said of the event. “And it was nice to have moved it to the fair.”
In the past, the horse show’s home was Hobby Horse Arena in Polson, but for kids whose 4-H participation is limited to the horse program, holding the show at the fairgrounds was a way to better include them in the fair.
And nearly everyone who showed Saturday qualified for the state 4-H Horse Show in Stevensville, although Gullickson wasn’t sure how many Lake County riders will attend.
Beginning in December, participants in the 4-H horse projects meet about once a month at an indoor arena to practice riding and polish their show skills. When spring comes, practices are held every week, but the kids also are required to complete a manual on horse care and maintenance for each project. The horse’ program’s focus, Gullickson explained, is on showmanship, horsemanship and educating kids about everything from parts of the horse to proper nutrition.
“Their workbook is a big part of the project that they do,” Gullickson said. “So it’s kind of an all-around program.”
And the show isn’t just about riding or showmanship — contestants have to prove they know their stuff by answering a variety of questions from the judge based on the horse project workbook. This year’s judge was GwenNelda Bones of Ronan, a long-time equestrienne.
“She’s been active with the horse program over the years, so she really knows the program,” Gullickson noted.
Results
Showmanship - 9-13 years
1st - Cherrish R Olson
1st - Skyler D Frame, Grand Champion
1st - Alanna R Carlson
1st - Cheyanne L Morrison, Reserve Champion
1st - Hallie J Sohr
2nd - Shelby N Snyder
2nd - Devi M Knutson
2nd - Claire E Bick
2nd - Faith L Olson
3rd - Kenzie R Couture
3rd - Charmayne N Morrison
3rd - Josey L Motichka
Showmanship - 14 years and over
1st - Lexi M Bagnell
2nd - Deondra T Brown, Grand
Showmanship - Novice 1st year
2nd - Raychel M Lien
2nd - Quinn T Motichka
3rd - Hannah M Vaughan
3rd - Jo-Hanna Lien
3rd - Madisen M Wheeler
Showmanship - Colt to Maturity Levels 2-5
1st - Alanna R Carlson, Grand
Colt-to-Maturity - C2M 2 year old
2nd - Alanna R Carlson
Open Class - Western Pleasure 9-11
1st - Cherrish R Olson, Grand
2nd - Faith L Olson
2nd - Cheyanne L Morrison
2nd - Hallie J Sohr
Open Class - Western Pleasure 12-14
1st - Shelby N Snyder, Grand
3rd - Skyler D Frame
3rd - Alanna R Carlson
Open Class - Western Pleasure 15 and over
1st - Deondra T Brown, Reserve
1st - Lexi M Bagnell, Grand
Open Class - West Equitation 9-11
1st - Cheyanne L Morrison, Grand
1st - Hallie J Sohr, Reserve
2nd - Faith L Olson
