Many hours of hard work and focus begin to pay off as Richland County’s junior fair members began to compete in equine events.
Young competitors were showing their horses as part of the “skill” events in the north arena and riders galloped through barrels and poles during the morning “speed” events. Skill events are based on the overall showmanship and training of the horse. Speed events are timed individual riding events.
“It’s pretty awesome.” Cora McConkie, a member of Richland County’s oldest 4-H club, Triangle T, said of the overall experience “The arena’s really nice now that they’ve re-done it. I like it.” She has been riding since she was 5 years old, and is familiar with both skill and competition events. Even though this was her first year of competing, the pressure of the timer didn’t seem to bother her at all.
“It’s the same as always, a little nervous, but not much more than that,” she added.
McConkie noted that it did not come without preparation. For her and many other middle school and high school students, the week leading up to the fair was filled with equipment preparation and practices. As for preparation over the summer leading up to the fair, Casey Kelley the assistant advisor for the Triangle T 4-H club said, “I’d say some kids probably practice two hours a day.”
Austin Weyhmeller and his horse made it look easy as they glided through the poles on Monday morning.
“It’s definitely a rush, its exciting,” Weymeller said after the ride. “It gets my heart racing and it’s fun. It’s definitely something to look forward to.”
Weyhmeller competes aboard the aptly named Rocket. “I don’t have to ask for the speed half the time, he just gives it to me,” said the Clear Fork senior.
This will be Weyhmeller’s third year in horse racing. He competes as part of the 4-H Triangle T Club. To the casual observer a simple looking “cloverleaf” patterned run through the poles may look effortless. But the events take great focus and training.
“If you don’t cue your horse at the right time, you’re going to fly your barrel or your pole,” said Weyhmeller, “You have to focus, keep your horse going, keep them on track, and make sure you go around and stay on pattern.”
Fair goers can still take in much more action throughout the week. Monday’s events were just part of a string of events that will fill the week’s schedule. Dianne Kelley, advisor for Triangle T, “All those different events happen through the week, then on Saturday, we do a tally of all the points. How [riders] place in each show goes collectively in a high point overall.”
