Mohawk girls win horse show at Franklin County Fair

The much-anticipated Franklin County Fair arrived this week in Malone and among the first of fair activities were the 4-H Club’s horse shows and competitions which featured several Mohawk riders and trainers. The Akwesasne girls were among the children from throughout Franklin County who have taken on the responsibility of learning about and caring for animals and livestock.

Each day at the fairgrounds, the children began their morning with chores that involved their horse and the bonding began. When the chores were complete, practice was held and their enjoyment of riding began. Communication between rider and horse produces good balance. The horse receives the message from its master as the cues are sent through the tug of the reins, from a squeeze from the legs and by the voice of the rider. The horse

then responds with performance.

On August 6, 7, and 8, Millie King (age 7), Hunter Cook (age 9), and Cuppa Thompson (age 12) continued to learn and performed with their horse at the fairgrounds. Each day began very early and the girls cleaned the horse stalls, fed and worked with their horse before show time on Sunday. Each girl belongs to the “Horseland Riding Club” and the “Cloverbuds” for the younger members.

Millie Wakiatiiosta King is 7-years-old and she began to ride when she was 4. Her horse’s name is Copper and she is 15-years-old. Millie was taught to ride by her mom Pudgie and sister Amanda at their home in Tsi Snaihne. She has also spent time taking lessons from other trainers. Each day, Millie¹s chores include cleaning Copper’s stall, feeding her hay and grain, and throwing down the hay from the top in the barn. After that, on some days she will ride her horse with her family.

Sunday came quickly and the three girls had to dress and prep their horses prior to show time. Millie¹s classes were Leadline Pleasure, Leadline Equitation, Leadline Command and Leadline Egg and Spoon. Millie took first place in the egg and spoon balance and Leadline Command. The egg and spoon competition was the most fun for her at the fair but even more was the trophy she came home with along with her blue ribbons.

Hunter Cook and Cuppa Thompson are in the Junior Division and have some experience behind them. Hunter has been riding for 3 years and her sister Cuppa has for 6 years. Their teachers have been Marlana (their mom), Lindsay, and Pudgie. They have also attended 4-H clinics with trainers and Sonja Quinn and Sara Gail Flint. Hunter and Cuppa enjoyed the Costume Competition the most. They were given some nice prizes including riding gloves and a trophy. The series of classes the sisters were involved with were Walk/Trot Pleasure, Walk/Trot Command, and Walk /Trot Equitation. Hunter received a

red ribbon and a trophy for Showmanship.

All three girls competed in the Costume Class for enjoyment. As far as chores go for the Jr. girls, they finish all that needs to be done and they like to ride the horses when finished. They have a new baby Gypsy Vanner named “Famous Star” and they really enjoy playing with her.

The horse ridden by Cuppa is “Daisy”, at 11 years old and is a quarter horse Arabian. Hunter’s horse is called “Gabby”, a Welsh Pony at 15 years old.

It was enjoyable to watch the girls in this sport of horse riding and competition. It brought back many memories for this former 4-H club member and all that I learned from my former leaders and working cooperatively with other members. Young people should experience this valuable time being involved in a 4-H Club. It helps to shape and instill skills needed and more so the responsibilities that youth can gain to help them in life.

Volunteers are needed all the time, not only in clubs but also in organized sports. Let’s help our young people get a good foundation and try to prepare them for the world in good ways.