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Returning to the barn, Emily Farquhar said she felt good about the performance she and her horse Gypsy gave in Dressage at the state show. Colorful decorations on Gypsy’s stall door feature photos of both horse and rider.

YOUNG EQUESTRIANS GATHER AT STATE 4-H HORSE SHOW
Sharpening Riding, Leadership and Sportsmanship Skills

By Kellie Henderson

At the State 4-H Horse Show held in July at the Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery, nearly 200 young people from around Alabama gathered to do something rare in today’s competitive world of sports. They were actually cheering for their rivals.

With over 80 classes to choose from, 8 to 18-year-olds vied for the honor of being named among the top young equestrians in the state and, at any given time, contestants could be heard offering one another encouragement and congratulations. And in 4-H, young people don’t have to own horses to compete at the show.

Dr. Cindy McCall, Professor of Animal Sciences at Auburn University and Extension Service Horse Specialist for the state, said virtually any young person with an interest in horses can become involved in 4-H.

"Educational components of the state show have grown so much over the years. Now there are photography, drawing and other art contests, public speaking, hippology and horse judging competitions that don’t require ownership or transportation of horses for the contestants," she said.

McCall has been a part of the State 4-H Horse Show since 1990 and she said it offers unique opportunities for young Alabamians.

"The show has grown in terms of the number of riders and the events offered, and I see the personal growth these kids achieve through their efforts at the show. There is an atmosphere of education, teamwork and sportsmanship that comes from competing against their peers in a positive way. And the leadership is amazing. Little kids who once needed help from older competitors grow year after year and end up helping the little kids who come behind them. Their learning and cooperation is what makes this show so special," said McCall.

After two years of attending open horse shows in her area, 11-year-old Emily Farquhar joined the Shelby County team to compete in her first State 4-H Show this year. Emily competed in English Pleasure and Dressage and took sixth place in her Halter class and fourth place in Public Speaking.

"I’m proud of my horse Gypsy. I think we did pretty good," said Emily.

"We just started Dressage. I saw it at some shows and I thought it was cool and looked fun," she said.

According to Emily, she’s had Gypsy for about a year, but the two definitely seem bonded as Emily loosened the cinch on her saddle after returning to the barn.

"I like Paints and Gypsy was so pretty. I love how she trots and canters," Emily said.

Ashley O’Rear of St. Clair County meticulously prepares her Quarter Horse Stan for competition at their first State 4-H Horse Show. Ashley and Stan competed in several Western events at the show in Montgomery.

Reece Jones of Geneva County grooms his longtime companion Whisper to keep her in top condition at their fourth State 4-H Horse Show. 17-year-old Reece says he realizes it’s time for Whisper to teach another young equestrian the responsibility and rewards of horse ownership.

"I just had him put in my name this year, so I feel like Stan’s really mine now. We’ve mostly shown in Western Pleasure at the Quarter Horse shows, but we’re competing in Trail and other Western events here," Ashley said.

Attending his fourth State 4-H Show, 17-year-old Reece Jones of Geneva said this year was bittersweet for him because it would be his last show with his horse Whisper.

"She’s like my baby. I’ve had her since I was seven, but I have to sell her. After ten years, I’m just too big to keep riding her. She’s 14.3 (hands tall) so she needs a good home with someone smaller," said Reece.

In addition to competing in 4-H, Reece and his horses Deck and Whisper participate in Open and Quarter Horse shows as well as Eventing – a three phase competition combining Dressage, Cross Country and Stadium Jumping.

While Reece is nearing the end of his 4-H eligibility, he said he plans to continue showing after he finishes high school next year.

"I want to go as far as it will take me," Reece said.

Siblings Christina, Taryn and Luke Crain made up half of the Tuscaloosa County Drill Team, a competition in which riders complete a unison horsemanship pattern set to music.

"I’d say you definitely need to be an experienced rider to compete on a drill team. Competitors write their own patterns and every member of the team has to memorize it," said 14-year-old Taryn, who was the team’s Co-Captain.

"Trying to figure out what’s wrong when something’s not working can be hard, but it’s fun," Taryn said.

At fifteen, Christina is the oldest Crain, but she said she isn’t bothered by her younger sister’s leadership position on the team.

"Her horse leads well and that’s important for the team. Even though we’re brother and sisters on the same team, we don’t really argue. We’re home schooled, so we’re used to being together all the time. It actually works out for us. Sometimes people don’t take criticism well, but we listen to each other and try to learn and improve," said Christina.

State winners advance to the 4-H Southern Regional Show held July 31 through August 5 at Shelby Show Place Arena in Memphis, Tennessee, according to Extension Animal Sciences Specialist Bob Ebert who works with the 4-H and Youth Animal Science Programs at Auburn University.

"42 horse/rider combinations have qualified for Southern Regionals and 25 4-H members are eligible for educational competition there," Ebert said.

Kellie Henderson is a freelance writer from Troy.