HORSIN’ AROUND

Turlock teen wins big at Fair horse events

BY KRISTINA HACKER

Turlock High FFA’s Betsy Theis is a regular on the high school rodeo circuit, but she decided to try her hand at horse showmanship this year at the Stanislaus County Fair and brought home a bevy of blue ribbons, along with the two High Point category awards.

An incoming Turlock High sophomore, Theis placed first in all the Western classes (5) and Gymkhana classes (6) she competed in and placed second in Horse Showmanship. Theis’ excellence also earned her the High Point Western Champion and High Point Gymkhana Champion awards.

Theis said she was “super surprised” at her success at the Fair because this was the first time she has competed in pleasure, equitation and showmanship events. She isn’t new to the horse life, however.

“I’ve been riding since I was a little, little kid and competing,” Theis said.

While she knows her way around a barrel and a rope, being judged on how well she could control both her own body and her horse was a new experience. Theis and her 10-year-old Quarter Horse, Buttermilk, impressed the judges.

“[Buttermilk] got lots of compliments,” Theis said about her mild-mannered roping horse.

Theis and Buttermilk will now take their newfound skills to the California State Fair July 9-10.

She hopes that her success will spur on other horse lovers in the county to come out and compete at next year’s Stanislaus County Fair.

“We need more horse competitors. Horse events are struggling in Stanislaus County. We need to bring it back. I know so many rodeo people who have the ability to come out and compete in showmanship,” Theis said.

Photo contributed

Turlock FFA member Betsy Theis and Buttermilk brought home 11 first place ribbons, one second place ribbon and two High Point champion awards at the 2022 Stanislaus County Fair.

July 8-17 2022

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