Bashaw’s Multi 4-H Club hosted a fun horse event with riders coming from all around central Alberta.
Held Sept. 10 at the Bashaw Agricultural Grounds, the show is a special fundraiser for the club but also gives riders a chance to hone their equitation skills and receive tips from a judge.
Rimbey area judge Teri Larsgard has been in the business for about 23 years. She’s been to the Bashaw event for quite a few years now and enjoys the showing and learning that comes with it.
“I teach a lot of these kids and I help the 4-H program and give clinics,” she explained of some of her roles.
For Bashaw’s event she wants to see how handlers and riders understand how to show their horses. “After that I’m looking for someone that works well with their horse.”
The two, rider and horse, have a partnership in equitation and a judge wants to see a balance.
“This is the opportunity for them to come and show what they’ve done and show their work off,” said Larsgard.
She suggests that while the work isn’t easy the rewards come with seeing improvements in riding skills.
Ring person Jessica Chitwood explained she was proud of the riders. She told them at the end of the season last year that great sportsmanship and horsemanship is also something to be proud of.
“This is their opportunity to ask, ‘Am I on par with my peers? Am I learning anything?’” said Chitwood.
“It’s their chance to really grow as people.”
Larsgard added that seeing the large number of riders attend shows that the sport is strong.
Along with riders from Bashaw included riders from areas including Ponoka, Eckville, Forestburg, Lousana, Rimbey, Daysland and Rumsey.
Many of the 35 participants choose to participate for Hi-Point Awards. The four Hi-Point winners received wooden saddle stands sponsored and made by the Bashaw Multi 4-H Club. They have a drawer and hooks for supplies and tack.
The Reserve Hi-Point Awards were Hay Bags sponsored by the Bashaw Multi 4-H Club and Country Stitch Design operated by a 4-H family.
Winners:
Senior Hi-Point: Caitlin Van Slyke (Forestburg)
Intermediate Hi-Point: Kylie Windo (Eckville)
Junior Hi-Point: Catharina Brosinsky (Bashaw)
Peewee Hi-Point: Cora Rose (Lousana)
Senior Reserve Hi-Point: Lynn Johnson (Rimbey)
Intermediate Reserve Hi-Point: Raegan Holben (Daysland)
Junior Reserve Hi-Point: Mattie Jensen (Rumsey)
Peewee Reserve Hi-Point: Aleesa Morrison (Bashaw)
