It’s a few weeks after the close of the Porter County Fair, but one 4-H
contest that did not get mentioned deserves recognition, even if it is a
little late.
Tara Fraley, 15, of Jackson Volunteers 4-H Club won the Versatility Class in
the Horse competition.
One of the reasons, the sport has not received its deserved recognition is
because it is the last event to be judged and, being at the end of the fair,
it is unfortunately forgotten. The Chesterton Tribune likes to recognize the
local 4-H champions, and Fraley accomplished that in the difficult
competition.
Versatility requires the rider and horse to be versatile in four areas:
English riding, Western riding, Reining, and Barrel Racing. All four
requirements are performed in one night.
The horse and rider start out in English attire. After performing in
English, the horse and rider must change into Western attire. This is done
by bringing pickup trucks with helpers into the arena with the needed
equipment for each horse and rider. Within 5 minutes the rider must change
from English to Western attire. The helper (each rider chooses his/her own
helper) will change the tack (saddle and bridle) on the horse at this time.
When time is up, the trucks and helpers must exit the arena. The rider and
horse then perform in Western style.
The same scenario follows for changing into Reining and Barrel equipment.
The Reining portion is a pattern through which the rider must maneuver the
horse. The final segment is a timed race around Barrels. Each rider is
scored for each event. Scores are ranked from high to low with high score
winning.
The class, held for over 25 years at the Porter County Fair, is sponsored by
Tony’s Saddle Shop and the Art Davis family both of Valparaiso.
In addition to the Versatility Championship, the Chesterton High School
student received several fair honors this year. She was named Reserve
Champion Sr. Showmanship (Horse), First Place Western Pleasure (Horse);
First Place Jr. Horse, Reserve Grand Champion in Painting and an a Honor in
Vet Science.
Posted 8/21/2002
