Young equestrians show skills at 4-H horse show

***Brody Umphenour puts his horse through its paces at the 4-H Horse show on Sunday, July 26 (Billy Roudybush / Linn County Journal)***

By Billy Roudybush, Journal contributor

On Sunday, July 27, 4-H members and their families from around the county came to show off their horses and their riding skills at the Linn County Fairgrounds arena.

***Cooper Lanham brings his horse to a canter. (Billy Roudybush / Linn County Journal)***

The kids displayed the pride they have in their animals and their skills. They walked and rode their horses and then raced them against the clock.

Kids demonstrated their control of riding and the special relationship they had with their horse. They walked, trotted, and loped along the arena. Stopping quickly, changing directions and overcoming obstacles. Each horse’s lively spirit enhanced the pride and joy each rider experienced.

Families packed themselves into every part of the stands or under a canopy that was out of the sun. They clapped and cheered every good move or correct sequence. The sense of joy and pride from these families flowed from them to support their performers.

***Sisters Jazelle and Nile Hamilton pair up during the show. (Billy Roudybush / Linn County Journal)***

Even though most of the kids wore western wear, there were some that demonstrated the English style of riding. It was a delight to watch and of course the kids did very well.

The pairs riding was another event that deserved mentioning: watching kids work together, showing they and their horses could work together, demonstrating that we have to learn to work together. The horse show, despite the heat, was a success and people there helped kick off the Linn County Fair.