This September, four local equestrians competed at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Mass. Qualifying for the Maine State 4-H Equestrian Team in June were Brianna Hanington of Bancroft, Sara Fitzpatrick of Hodgdon, Melissa Peabody of Houlton and Desiree Foster Sixberry of Linneus.
To be chosen for the team, the participants had to show accurate and complete records of their 4-H horse project, including writing their 4-H story and resume. They also had to complete a written exam on horse knowledge. Each rider then had to demonstrate their ability to show their horse and ride two equitation classes. They were also scored on barn management, as well as judging four classes, comparing their scoring to the judge’s.
Since qualifying for the team in June, each rider has spent many hours in preparation for their trip to the Big E. Leaving Augusta at 6 a.m., the team arrived together in Massachusetts to begin their activities. Fitting and Showmanship classes were held that evening. Thursday morning began with Equitation classes. The general knowledge test was given that evening. Friday’s events were Hunter over fences, Hunter under saddle and Pleasure classes. Saturday was full with Command (English and Western combined), Bridle Path Hack, Obstacle Driving, Western Handiness and Trail Class (English and Western combined).
That evening the team participated in the parade that walks the entire fairgrounds. When not actively showing, participants were at the 4-H barn with their horses, representing 4-H and the state of Maine to thousands of fairgoers, many who had never seen a horse up close. The girls answered hundreds of questions each day as fair attendees filed through the barn.
In her sixth and final trip to the Expo, Hanington riding C.A. Ultimate Legacy “Bailey” scored a first in Fitting and Showmanship, first Western Equitation, second Championship Equitation Class, seventh Western Pleasure and fourth in Western Handiness wearing her Army ROTC uniform. Hanington was awarded the Mac McDonald Memorial award for achieving the top score of all riders for fitting, showmanship, horse knowledge and judging. She also was a co-captain for the multi-state mounted drill team, which performed on the final day of competition.
In her first trip to the Big E, Fitzpatrick, riding Just Plain Principle “Tulsa” scored fourth in Fitting and Showmanship, second Western Equitation and fourth Western Pleasure. The highlight of her trip was earning first place in a complicated Trail Class with 58 competitors in the field.
Also in her first trip to the competition, Peabody, riding All Stars Three Peat “Sissy” scored fifth in Fitting and Showmanship, 10th English Equitation and seventh in the large combined Trail Class.
In her fourth trip with the Maine Team, Sixberry riding Tom Te Mac “Classy” scored second in Fitting and Showmanship, 10th English Pleasure, eight of 56 in Command Class and seventh in Bridle Path Hack. Sixberry also placed 10th in the combined Trail Class.
4-H in Maine is the youth development education program of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension System. 4-H participants range from ages 5-19 and usually are organized into clubs, which focus on their particular interest.
These girls are all members of a local club, the 4-H Wild Mustangs, led by Jean Sloat and Kathy Russell.
For more information about 4-H and how to become involved, call the County Extension office.
