Rodeo queen's horse clinic attracts local youth

Ritzville Rodeo Queen, Haley Oestreich, hosted a “Ready to Show” horse clinic at the Ritzville Rodeo Arena on Saturday, Aug. 18, for 15 young horse enthusiasts.

The clinic began in the arena with a segment on safety, and fitting and showing with the participants and their horses. The group then saddled the horses and practiced for Western Pleasure, Western Equation and Trail categories in the mini-show.

The mini-show began immediately after lunch when the participants memorized the pattern for each category and competed in different age groups. Jennifer Kuster, owner and trainer of ShowBiz, judged the event and gave out awards after each competition.

Participants in the event were Jerod Harder, Julia Klein, Jay Harder, Katheran Gingrich, Rachel Nygren, Claire Kessler, Caden Liberty, Rachel Schell, Alisha Baker, Kallie Harder, Emily Kinney, Merlee Liberty, Holly Nygren, Kate Schell and Heidi Hennings.

The high point award winners at the event Jerod Harder in the eight and under walk and trot category, Rachel Nygren in the 9-11 age group, and Rachel Schell in the 12-15 age group. All of the high point award winners received plaques for their efforts.

The overall, most improved participant was Rachel Nygren and the most improved individual was Emily Kinney.

In the fitting and showing competition, Jerod Harder received first place in the eight and under age division. In the 9-11 age group, Julia Klein received first place, Rachel Nygren placed second, Jay Harder finished in third place, Claire Kessler earned fourth and Caden Liberty received fifth place.

For the 12-15 age group, Rachel Schell earned first place, Holly Nygren received second place, Heidi Hennings placed third, Kallie Harder finished in fourth and Alisha Baker place fifth.

For the Western Equation, Western Pleasure and Trail categories, participants had the option to compete in the eight and under, walk and trot group if they were uncomfortable loping with their horse.

In the Western Equation category, Julia Klein placed first in the eight and under, and walk and trot group. Second place went to Holly Nygren, Katheran Gingrich received third place, Jerod Harder finished in fourth and Caden Liberty placed fifth.

For the 9-11 age group, Rachel Nygren placed first and Jay Harder received second place. In the 12-15 age group, Kallie Harder finished first, Rachel Schell earned second place, Kate Schell received third, Heidi Hennings placed fourth and Emily Kinney finished in fifth place.

In the Western Pleasure category, Claire Kessler placed first in the eight and under, and walk and trot group. Jerod Harder earned second place, Katheran Gingrich finished in third, Holly Nygren received fourth place and Julia Klein secured a fifth place finish.

Rachel Nygren finished first in the 9-11 age group and Jay Harder finished second. For ages 12-15, Rachel Schell earned first place, Kallie Harder received second, Alisha Baker finished third, Heidi Hennings placed fourth and Emily Kinney placed fifth.

In the Trail category, Jerod Harder finished first in the eight and under, and walk and trot group. Katheran Gingrich received second place, Caden Liberty finished third, Holly Nygren placed fourth and Merlee Liberty finished in fifth place.

For the 9-11 year olds, Jay Harder earned first place and Rachel Nygren secured second place. The 12-15 age group had Rachel Schell place first, followed by Heidi Hennings in second, Kallie Harder finished third, Kate Schell placed fourth and Emily Kinney rounded out the top five.

All first place winners received a prize such as a currycomb or a brush, and all participants received a candy bag. Todd and Michelle Oestreich, through Bob’s Chevron and Oestreich Distributing, donated the prizes and candy bags.

Volunteers and parents that assisted with the event are Michele Oestreich, Kris Harder, Ronanda Liberty, Ann Hennings and Aimee Schell.