Steamboat Pilot & Today

Hayden — Parents and other residents can catch a glimpse of Routt County 4-Hers competing for ribbons today at the 86th annual Routt County Fair and Rodeo youth horse show in Hayden.
The show, which features about 60 4-H members, ages 8-18, includes western performance, western riding and western pleasure classes, as well as English performance and English pleasure classes. The show begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Routt County Fairgrounds in Hayden, and is followed by the fair queen riding event at 6 p.m.
Jay Whaley, 4-H youth agent, said the horse show is an opportunity for Routt County 4-Hers to demonstrate their leadership skills, and to display the benefits of their hard work and commitment to the program. Whaley said he hopes the horse show will draw other youth into the 4-H program.
The show includes nearly 300 entries and is broken into three age categories. The senior class is composed of those 15 to 18, followed by an intermediate class of 12- to 14-year-olds and a junior class for children 11 and younger.
Showmanship and halter classes feature pony and grand champion geldings and the breeding classes include 1999 and 2000 mares.
Jean Morrow, event coordinator, said the horse show is geared to encourage youth to join 4-H, and to allow others to see the skills that 4-Hers develop from partaking in the program.
"These kids have been working all year," Morrow said. "I think it's a great opportunity to see their skills develop."
On Wednesday, festivities continue with rabbit and poultry shows, followed by a home arts contest on Thursday. The fair runs through Sunday.

To reach Eric Rineer call 871-4229 or e-mail erineer@amigo.net