Horse or no horse, horse show welcomes you -- of course

BY RAY MARTIN - Staff Writer
Published: Sun, Jul. 12, 2009 02:00AM

RALEIGH -- You don't have to own a horse to benefit from the nation's second-largest 4-H horse program.

More than 400 children between the ages of 9 and 19 are competing in the 4-H state championship horse show, which began Wednesday and ends today at the Hunt Horse Complex at the N.C. State Fairgrounds. The show is from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is free for spectators.

Many of the participants don't have horses. They're just interested in them and want to hone skills that 4-H officials say will give them an edge in college and beyond.

Of the seven areas of competition, only one is devoted to riding. The other six are devoted to public speaking, writing, artistic skills and biological knowledge of horses. Each category features multiple competitions, all of which are horse-related.

Bethany Reid, 13, of McDowell County 4-H, rests on her horse, Hawk's Faith, a Tennessee walker.
- STAFF PHOTO BY ROBERT WILLETT


"If you can't afford a horse, it doesn't matter," said Kira Pruitt, a sophomore at N.C. State University who started competing in the program eight years ago. "I've never competed in an event that involved me riding a horse."

Bob Mowrey, an N.C. State employee who runs the program, said most students want to be veterinarians. He said the educational aspect of the program puts them at a sophomore or junior level in biology once they enter college.

Many students earn scholarships through the program. Others say putting 4-H on their resume helped them earn scholarships from different organizations.

"I think colleges see how dedicated you are and how much time you put into it to learn extra skills," said Alison Thompson, an N.C. State sophomore who wants to be a stockbroker. "It gave me a head start. The program taught me how to communicate and gave me a lot more confidence about everything."

Students who want to ride horses but don't own one can lease them from the program. Program volunteers said they also help families find horses that are affordable.
"It really has something for everyone," Mowrey said. "Kids love it, and parents really appreciate it."