By PR Extension Office

The first day of Fair competition was in the outdoor arena, venue for a multitude of classes for 4-H horse exhibitors and their projects ranging from yearling colts to senior horses on the verge of retirement (a few may have been brought back from retirement). Under a blazing sun, youth demonstrated the skills and knowledge they have gained.

"I just love working with this group of kids," said 4-H volunteer leader Tedi Jo Williams. "They have learned so much and are very supportive of each other," she added.

The crowd in the stand noticed how quickly the Ranch Horse competitors dismounted after their final event at 5 pm to pick up panels in preparation for the next event in the arena. It was obvious they were tired after showing since 9 am, but they all pitched in to make quick work of the task.

Judge Connie Webb from Miles City was joined in the arena by Fair Board members Liz Barbour and Heather Cunningham for the day of showing. Becca Aye served as the teen clerk and photographer and has already been requested to help again next year.

"She was amazing!" said Heather Cunningham, Horse Superintendent. T.J. Cunningham "farmed" the arena in preparation for the event, with a tractor that shook, shuttered and gasped its way around the arena. "I think it's about done for," said T.J.

Laney Williams captured the glory at the end of the day winning the Overall Horse Exhibitor Award. Liz McFarland and Mike Wigen sponsor the award to encourage youth to enter many classes throughout the day. It was tough competition with Alivia Landa receiving Reserve Grand Champion Overall Horse Exhibitor, receiving an award sponsored by Kady Creek Cattle. Both youth have colt-to-maturity and horsemanship project horses.

Forever supporter of the 4-H horse program Marian Hanson spent the day in the heat to present her award, in memory of her husband Darrell, for the top colt-under-saddle to Shyla Madsen and her four-year-old "Spur". Ashton Madsen won the Grand Champion Conformation with his yearling "Whiskey". The award is sponsored by the Powder River Quarter Horse Association and was presented by Dan Davis.

After testing their knowledge, roping ability, understanding of leads and patterns, sorting and penning, Ashton won the top Ranch Horse class with "Ferdinand". Without a doubt, the most popular project in the horse project, the ranch horse project truly represents what horses are expected to do in SE Montana. Ray and Tedi Jo Williams, sponsors of the buckle award, provided a beautiful herd of gentle heifers for the class to make it all possible...on a triple digit day. That is commitment!

Knowing the heat was predicted, a second judge, Jeannie Hovermale was hired to evaluate the Trail Class entries on a course set up outside the arena. Eight competitors checked in with judge Hovermale as time permitted to make their way through the obstacle course. Laney Williams won the Trail Class award, sponsored by Julie Emmons-Stoddard with Alivia Landa receiving Reserve Grand Champion in a tie with her yearling on the halter and her two-year-old. "Very impressive!" commented the judge.

Grand Champion Western Horsemanship winner Alivia Landa received an award sponsored by David and Katy McMichael; Shyla Madsen won both Grand Champion Bareback Equitation and Grand Champion Western Pleasure awards sponsored by Circle Bar Ranch-Stevens & Herman Families and McGill Land & Livestock respectively. Bonita Kinzer weighed in with an outstanding Reining performance winning Grand Champion and an award sponsored by Circle Bar Ranch – Stevens & Herman Families.

In the showmanship classes, Champion Junior Showman honors went to Laney Williams who received a buckle sponsored by The Shannon Family and Mary and Owen Rumph in addition to a cash award sponsored by Denbury Onshore. Reserve Junior Champion Showman was Colton Jones, who received an award sponsored by Mike & Sheila Williams.

In the senior division, Zach Jones won Champion honors, receiving a buckle sponsored by the East Fork Roping Club. Alivia Landa also received a buckle for Reserve Champion Showman sponsored by Ed & Bev Schaffer and Denbury Onshore.

Winner of the Grand Champion Conformation award sponsored by the Powder River Quarter Horse Breeders Association and presented by Dan Davis was Ashton Madsen with his yearling "Whiskey". Ashton went on to win the Grand Champion Working Ranch Horse class with his mature horse "Ferdinand".

At the end of the long, tenacious day of judging, Connie Webb said, "The horse project kids in Powder River are talented and know their information. I enjoyed the day!"