FAYETTEVILLE -- The riding boots are being buffed and uniforms cleaned. Horse hooves are getting shined, and coats brushed.
Horse lovers countywide will gather today for the annual Washington County Horse Show at the Pauline Whitaker Arena on Garland Avenue.
Horse show
What: Washington County Horse Show
When: Events begin running continuously at 9 a.m. today
Where: University of Arkansas, Pauline Whitaker Arena, 1335 W. Knapp Drive, Fayetteville
Source: Washington County Fair
"I am going to do my best. I'm going to work my hardest. If I win, that's great," said Jade Cantu, a 17-year-old equestrian.
Cantu, of Prairie Grove, is one of about 50 participants in this year's show. About half will be younger than 18, said Cindy Pharr, co-superintendent.
The horse show is part of the Washington County Fair that starts Tuesday. There's no entry fee or admission cost for the horse show.
Participants in the Horse Show can win more than $100 if they sign up for multiple classes and compete well. First-place class winners earn $12 in premium cash. The Horse Show has 43 classes, or classifications, this year, Pharr said.
Classifications include halter and a variety of English-style riding sessions.
Judges will award more than $3,000 in prizes to the equestrians earning the top overall points from five classes in two age groups, Pharr said. Local contributions pay for the Equestrian of Tomorrow Grand Champion and Reserve Champion awards.
Cantu won the Grand Champion award last year, beating out her friend, 14-year-old Delaney Blanchard of Farmington, by one point.
"It was down to the wire on which was going to be the champion and which one was going to be the reserve," Pharr said. "Pretty exciting."
The awards, started last year, give young people in 4-H or the National FFA Organization an incentive to participate, Pharr said. Horses aren't in the fair's premium auction, which raises money for 4-H or FFA members involved in agriculture.
Both organizations focus on education that includes agriculture.
Riders must practice almost every day, Pharr said.
"They work hard at it," Pharr said. "We feel like it's important to recognize them for their efforts."
Cantu and Blanchard have been showing horses for about 10 years. They train together with Delaney's mother, Shannon Blanchard. Both ride purebred Arabian horses.
Showing horses teaches the girls patience, humility and goals, Shannon Blanchard said. Equestrians run into a lot of obstacles leading up to the show, she said. A lot of planning and hauling goes into showing horses, her daughter said.
Before a show, Cantu said she thinks about what could go wrong and what she should do if that happens. Delaney Blanchard said she makes note of what she needs to do to get the horse ready, then she prays before going to bed.
"It's a passion," Cantu said. "You really work hard. You obviously want to do well with the thing you are passionate about."
NW News on 08/26/2017