An Interview with 4H State Horse Show Participants

The Virginia 4-H State Championship Horse & Pony Show will be held at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington September 5-8. Highland County has five delegates attending this year. These girls have been fundraising for the opportunity to attend the show, and I was able to catch up with them at various events to learn more about what they are looking forward to and the events they plan to participate in.

Bethany Eye is attending the Virginia 4-H State Championship Horse & Pony Show for the first time. She’s riding Reggie, an off-the-track rescued thoroughbred that she’s been working with for about a year and will be participating in jumping. 

“This will be my first year going with a group, and I’m excited to learn from the other riders.”

Skyler McDaniel will be riding All About Alphie and is also jumping.

“I’m looking forward to the fun events and just watching all my friends.”

Hadessa Will participate in walk/trot. This is her first year and she’ll be riding Just in Time. She’s been working hard, but thought more of others when I asked her what she was most excited about… “Just watching my friends!”

Mikahil Franklin will be riding Perfect Enough in the walk/trot. This is her second year at the show.

“This is my first year taking my own horse, so I’m excited to see how we do together and to cheer on my friends. I did canter last year, but this is my horse’s first year. We’re working on leads.”

Alexis Small will also be going this year. Sponsor Julie Dunson said the girls have all worked very hard to both train and raise enough money to participate in the State Championship Horse & Pony Show.