4-H Youth Compete in Gymkhana Events at County Fair

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK (August 1, 2018) -- Chautauqua County 4-H held its Gymkhana events at the Chautauqua County Fair on a beautiful but cloudy Saturday July 21st, 2018. Gymkhana is an exciting equestrian sport in which riders compete, one at a time, in a number of different barrel or pole challenges or events. Each challenge is made up of a set pattern of barrels, and the riders are timed as they race around them. Gymkhana consists of many events such as barrel racing and pole bending to name a couple, and has various other patterns that the horse and rider need to complete in the fastest times. This year’s Gymkhana event was judged by Briana Clark.

Prior to any horse show the youth participate in a Showmanship class. Showmanship is judged on the cleanliness of the horse and the rider, and also on how well the horse responds to commands while being led around on the ground. After all the youth and horses have been judged, the first and second winners in each class go back in to be judged against each other! This year Alyssa Graziano was awarded Grand Champion Showman and Gracie Morrison won Reserve Champion showman. The top two showman received special recognition for their accomplishments.

After the Showmanship classes the next class is the Cloverbud Lead Line Class! This class is for those youth ages 5-8 just beginning to experience the wonderful world of horses! The youth use the reins to control their equine however, an adult is always in control by having a lead line attached to the equine. First, the youth show their walking and halting skills to the judge. Then, they have a barrel pattern to demonstrate their handling skills. If they have done well, then they are asked if they would like to ride without a lead line hooked up to their horse/pony. This class is called the Walk/Halt Class where an adult is close by to assist the rider if needed. It is so exciting to see these beginner riders progress over the year! All participants receive ribbons as an acknowledgement of their accomplishments.

Chautauqua County Fair Gymkhana Champions:

In the Senior Division:

Grand Champion: Montana Pope

Senior Reserve Champion: Gracie Morrison

In the Amateur Divison:

Grand Champion: Jesse Morse

Amateur Reserve Champion: Tracie Keller

In the Walk/Trot Division:

Grand Champion: Denza Fenara

Reserve Champion: Tiana Bova

NY State Fair Qualifiers:

Montana Pope, Gracie Morrison and Dalton Planty.

Photo Caption: 4-H Gymkhana winners at the Chautauqua County Fair. Back Row L-R: Talia Fanara, Denza Fanara, Gracie Morrison, Alyssa Graziano, Montana Pope, Jesse Morse, Dalton Planty. Front Row: Tracie Keller and Tianna Bova.

Photo Caption: the 2018 Chautauqua County 4-H Parade Team qualified for the New York State Fair. Members from left to right: Kinsey Witherow, Deona Sanders, Jesse Morse, 4-H volunteer and Parade Team Coach Aimee Rogers, Alyssa Graziano, and Montana Pope. 

The 4-H Youth Development Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under a form of organization and administration approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. It is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. Each Cornell Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer that is governed by an elected Board of Directors with general oversight from Cornell. All associations work to meet the needs of the counties in which they are located as well as state and national goals. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

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Last updated July 26, 2019