Ride em cowgirl – and cowboy: Western Horse Show produces sibling winners
By Jennifer Kneuss
September 20, 2011
603
The Junior Fair Western Horse Show at the Tuscarawas County Fair took place on Tuesday, Sept. 20, and turned out to be quite a family affair for the Keating children of the Lazy Lopers 4-H Club.
Regan Keating, at just 10 years of age, won the trophy for Champion Western Horsemanship, while her older brother, Bryce, won Reserve Champion honors.
My best event today was horsemanship, where you have to do a pattern, and they see how your horse responds to you. You have to sit up tall, and remember the pattern, and do some rail work, too, explained the petite horsewoman. My horses name is Shaq, and he is a really sweet horse. I love him. Ive had him since April. He is 9 years old, and is an American quarter horse. We were searching for new horses, and tried out a couple before him, but we ended up buying him. He was pretty cute, and he rode pretty good for me.
Regans sparkling outfit glittered as she rode around the ring.
My outfit is from Berry Fit. I got to choose it. I have stuff in mind that Im looking for. I like bling, and like sequins a lot, admitted Regan as she flashed a smile.
Berry Fit is a New Philadelphia company owned by Polly Kandle and Carolyn Berry, added Tammy Keating, Regans mother. Polly actually showed quarter horses when she was young and at the fair, and she decided to design her own western shirts. Now their business is very successful, and we like to use their clothes. My other daughter, Abby, also wore a special outfit when she showed her horse. She had breast cancer ribbons all over her shirt today because she has had various health struggles over the last few years, and her tutor has helped her keep up with her school work. Her tutor happens to be a breast cancer survivor, so Abby wanted to honor her. Abby was able to show today, although last year she could not compete due to her health problems.
Bryce didnt seem to mind having his younger sister best him.
There was a little pressure to beat her, but overall, the judge ended up saying that she won because of her smile. So Im going to have to smile prettier to beat her next year, he said mischievously.
Its not about my smile, argued Regan. After I was done, he said that I had perfect circles, and was straight on line. Then they announced my name, and I was so happy that I almost cried. I was tearing up.
We have 60 horses in our 4-H barns, from eleven 4-H horse clubs. Some of those are really strong in terms of their programs, commented Chris Kendle, 4-H Extension agent. Those clubs are very specific to horses. They meet every week, and they work out their horses every week. Its a pretty devoted program. Our fair is rather unique in that we have so many equine events. We have our western horse show, a dressage show, a contest horse show, an English horse show, a pony show, a versatility contest, ground roping, and a horse fun show. It provides the 4-H kids with a lot of different opportunities. Regardless of the style of riding that they like, there is a place in which they can fit. There are about 86 classes in which individuals can compete.
More horse shows will take place throughout the rest of the week.
Junior Fair Western Horse Show results:
Sr. Horse Savings Bond: Taylor Troyer
Jr. Horse Savings Bond: Emily Corona
Champion Western Showmanship: Taylor Affolter
Reserve Champion Western Showmanship: Taylor Troyer
Champion Western Horsemanship: Regan Keating
Reserve Champion Western Horsemanship: Bryce Keating
