Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — Horse and rider have the opportunity to strut their stuff at the Routt County Fairgrounds today.

The Open Horse Show begins at 9 a.m. and runs until Sunday.

Thirteen classes offer riders in four age divisions the chance to compete for prizes and points that qualify them for all-around honors.

"This weekend is open to anybody, anywhere who would like to show their horse," said Jay Whaley, 4-H agent with the Routt County Extension Office. "You'll see everything from a 4-year-old kid to a 70-year-old adult."

Participants are coming from as far away as Newcastle, Wyo., and Rifle, said Sharon Clever, superintendent of the open horse show.

Age divisions include adult, ages 15 to 18, ages 12 to 14 and ages 11 and under.

The two-day competition serves as a kickoff to the 4-H events that begin Monday, Whaley said.

A weekend event that features both adults and youngsters has historically preceded a week of youth events, he said. Many 4-H participants use the open horse show in preparation for their events next week, he said.

"It tunes them up," he said.

Spectators can find open horse show participants in the outdoor rodeo arena of the fairgrounds.

Rain or shine, Whaley said, classes will be held outside. Although weather may put a damper on the show, it will not force its cancellation.

"We've managed to do it 88 years without an indoor barn," Whaley said.

With the exception of a few breaks, the open horse show runs continuously throughout today and Sunday.

Today's lineup of events begins with halter and reserve halter classes, followed by showmanship, reining and western riding.

Sunday includes western pleasure, western horsemanship, trail, barrel racing, pole bending, stake races and working cow horse.

Participants must compete in a minimum of four events to qualify for all-around honors.

The four people who accumulate the most points in their respective age divisions take home a trophy saddle. The all-around reserve winner from each division earns a belt buckle, and the third runner-up in each division receives a saddle pad.

Ribbons are awarded to the first- through ninth-place finishers in every division of every class.

People can still register this morning and Sunday morning to compete in the day's events, Clever said.

Entry fees are $5 for halter and open classes and $4 for youth classes. A $5 office fee is also charged.

A separate all-around award is also given every year to a young rider who demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship.

Clever said the prize for the recipient of the youth horsemanship award will be kept under wraps until Sunday.

"I want the kids to wonder," she said.