Equestrians saddle up in performance, expertise By Jake McNeal sports editor With just inside a month left to prepare, horsemen and horsewomen are working on their horse sense. Kittitas County junior, intermediate and senior division equestrians assembled for the year’s second horse judging, oral reasons in which trainers explain why they ranked a specific class of horses the way they did, and classes in showmanship, gaming, western equitation, driving, English equitation and trail July 16 at Bloom Pavilion in Ellensburg. Jan Wallace, this year’s judge in the Junior Horse Fair set for Aug. 18-21 in the same arena, was on hand to evaluate reasons and impart the value of attire, horse and rider appearance and proper bridles in showmanship, and riders found out what to expect as they perform in the horse fair and in the Washington State 4-H Fair September 2-25 in Puyallup. “It helps and it kind of makes you feel more comfortable so you get to show you’re less nervous, and it’s great that she gives us this opportunity,” said Jenna Woodside, in the senior division that includes high school riders where intermediate and junior welcome those in middle school and elementary school, respectively. “It’s nerve-wracking, but it’s fun. Once you do it you feel great.” In the Danish Ribbon System, riders earn blue (100-85%), red (84-70) and white (69 and below) ribbons that reflect a standard instead of placing, and kids find out where they can improve. “Some of my favorite classes are trail because it’s really interesting, fun and
Junior Horse Fair judge Jan Wallace, right, and Bits & Buckles club leader Bobbi Broderius, center, begin showmanship instruction July 16 at the Kittitas County Event Center’s Bloom Pavilion in Ellensburg.
Kayliana Blackmore brings her oral reasons before Junior Horse Fair judge Jan Wallace in a day of training July 16 at the Kittitas County Event Center’s Bloom Pavilion in Ellensburg. 4 | 4-H & FFA • 2022
