The 2019 Northwest District 4-H Horse Show took place June 6-7 at the Montgomery County Coliseum for the first time in show history.
Families and friends gathered from surrounding counties to cheer on the riders as they participated in the event, which proved to be a local success. With over 50 classes, the two-day show offered fun for children and adults alike. Classes included Goat Tying, Breakaway Roping, Pole Bending, Barrel Racing, and Ranch Riding.
The Northwest District 4-H Horse Show coming to Winona benefits not only local 4-Hers and their families, but the entire community.
Senator Lydia Chassaniol said that the district horse show, with many coming in and utilizing Winona’s hotels, patronized the local restaurants, purchase gas with the local convenience stores and see what all the City of Winona had to offer.
“This is a big boom for our town and county’s tourism, and we are working hard to keep improving the coliseum in hopes of hosting the event again in the future,” Chassaniol said.
Local parents, like Kathryn Allman, share in the delight of not traveling to Tunica – a two-hour trip one way – for two days.
Allman’s daughter, Mary Claire Allman, participated in the district horseshow. Mary Claire placed first in Pony Geldings, Hunter Under Saddle Jr., 8-13 Reserve and 8-11.
“We were thrilled to have the Northwest District 4-H horse show in Montgomery County this year,” Allman said. “Obviously, it was much closer than Tunica, where the district show has been held in past years. It also brought many families and their supporters to our area which is always good for our community businesses. The Montgomery County Coliseum staff did a great job getting the facility ready for the show, and we look forward to having another covered arena for next year’s show in 2020. I feel like it was a successful show for all involved, and we are now preparing for the state 4-H show in Jackson next week.”
In recent years, the Mississippi State Extension Center has seen a decline in the overall involvement in 4-H shows.
Tracy Robertson, secretary of the Northwest District, said, “With the steady popularity of other recreational activities like baseball and softball, the number of kids opting to show horses and cows has been on a downward slope for the past few years.”
Despite decreasing numbers in 4-H participation over the last few years, this year’s event brought in over 50 participants and showed promise of a growing program.
Before the show, Mary Claire Allman was frustrated that her pony, Chester, wouldn’t do what she wanted him to do, and she was reassured by her mom that everything was going to be okay. Her frustration went to happiness after placing.
Riley Brooke Rainey beamed with pride as she showed off her many ribbons she won during the show. Rainey and her family have also been participants of the Northwest District Horse Show and both girls now prepare for the state show, which is held in Jackson.
In preparation for hosting the show, Montgomery County made various repairs and upgrades to the Montgomery County Coliseum, and with the possibility of the show’s return next year, future improvements to the Montgomery County Coliseum may include a new covered warm-up area on the south side of the coliseum, as well as another wash rack to wash the horses before they are shown.
Allman said for many parents it’s not just about the showmanship, it’s about the life lessons that 4-H teaches their children that they will take with them for many years to come. Like Mary Claire’s frustration, it was a life lesson that even though things don’t work out the way you see fit, keep trying.
“4-H has been so much more than just getting to ride horses for my children. Through this program our family has gotten to know a great group of people. Everyone pitches in to help wherever help is needed. All the parents are great about making sure the kids are learning and having fun,” Allman said.
Tracey Robertson, secretary of the Northwest District, said she hopes the District Horseshow returns to Winona next year.
“We hope to be back in Winona next year,” says Robertson. “Every county gets a bid to be voted on by the members of the committee, so it all depends on that vote.”
Montgomery County participants showed out this year in the 2019 Northwest District Horse Show. The following is a list of Montgomery County winners, their placements, and their classes:
Pole Bending (Pony 48 in and under, Jr. 8-13)- First Place- Katy Kendall Ware
Pole Bending (over 52 in, Jr. 12-13)- Second Place- Joeley Beckwith
Barrel Racing (Pony 48 in and under) Jr. 8-13, First Place- Katy Kendall Ware
Barrel Racing (over 52 in) Jr. 8-11, Second Place- Riley Rainey
Barrel Racing (over 52 in) Jr. 12-13, Second Place- Joeley Beckwith
Stake Race Pony (48 in and under) Jr. 8-13, First Place- Katy Kendall Ware
Stake Race (over 52 in) Jr. 8-11, Second Place- Riley Rainey
Stake Race (over 52 in) Jr. 12-13, First Place- Joeley Beckwith
Saddle and Gaited Gelding Halter, Reserve- Haley Fleming
Open Miniature Geldings Halter, Champion- Riley Rainey
Pony Geldings (over 48-52 in) Jr. 8-13, Reserve- Mary Claire Allman
Registered Quarter Horse Mares, Reserve- Hannah Hayes Ware
Grade Western Mares, Reserve- Haley Fleming
Showmanship Jr. 8-11, First Place- Hannah Hayes Ware
Showmanship Jr. 12-13, First Place- Joeley Beckwith & 2nd Place- Katy Kendall Ware
Showmanship Sr. 16-18, Second Place- Haley Fleming
Pony Hunter Under Saddle Jr. 8-11, First Place- Mary Claire Allman
Hunter Under Saddle Jr. 8-11, First Place- Hannah Hayes Ware
Hunter Under Saddle Jr. 16-18, First Place- Haley Fleming
Hunt Seat Equitation, First Place- Hannah Hayes Ware
Pony Pleasure (52 in and under) Jr. 8-13, Second Place- Mary Claire Allman
Western Pleasure, Jr. 8-11, First Place- Hannah Hayes Ware
Western Pleasure, Jr. 12-13, First Place- Joeley Beckwith
Western Pleasure, Sr. 16-18, Second Place- Haley Fleming
Western Horsemanship, Jr. 8-13, First Place-Hannah Hayes Ware & Second Place- Joeley Beckwith
Reining, Jr. 8-13, First Place- Hannah Hayes Ware
Trail Class, Jr. 8-13, First Place- Hannah Hayes Ware
Ranch Riding, Jr. 8-13, First Place- Hannah Hayes Ware & Second Place- Katy Kendall Ware
Ranch Trail, Jr. 8-13, First Place- Hannah Hayes Ware & Second Place- Katy Kendall Ware
