Beautiful weather and beautiful horses enjoyed at Open Horse Show

[August 11, 2021]   The weather was perfect Wednesday morning for Logan County Fair's Open Horse Show. The show started off slow due to technical difficulties but soon horses and their riders were taking to the ring to impress those who gathered to see the beautiful animals.

An open horse show allows all breeds of horses, as opposed to a breed-specific show, where only one breed is allowed to compete. These shows are fun to watch because a spectator can see horses of every size, shape, and color competing against each other.

Again this year, Superintendent and announcer Les Payne was assisted by Gene Schmidt, Shirley Kavanaugh, Tammy Skaggs, Candy Wright and Peggy Payne.

Events for horses and riders on Wednesday morning were divided into age divisions included Western Showmanship, Open Horse Halter, Open Walk, Open Walk- Trot, Open Western Pleasure, Walk-Trot Egg & Spoon Pleasure, Barrels, Open Walk and Favorite Gait, Open Flags, and Open Plug. The judge was in the center of the ring a good part of the time watching the horse and rider, judging on visual impression, skill, communication, confidence, and specific qualifications of each event.

Melissa Bell, winner of the Walk-Trot Egg & Spoon Pleasure, shared that she started riding when she was about 10 to12 years old. She wasn't really good when she started and didn't win very often. So, she decided she could practice the egg and spoon trick and be good enough to win. Indeed, she is still winning the Walk-Trot Egg and Spoon Pleasure today. Of course, she has expanded her expertise and wins other events but it makes for a good story to tell to spectators during a long day of showing.

Bell wasn't the only winner. At the end of the day there were multiple winners with $2,858 offered in premiums.

[Lisa Ramlow]