Franklin County Fair Horse Competitions

Three children from Ahkwesahsne attended the Franklin County Fair to compete in the 4-H Horse Show in various classes.  Carter King, age 5, and Millie, age 9, are the children of Pudgie and Aaron King.  This is Millie’s third year and Carter’s first and both have learned so much about their horses and showmanship.  They have also been trained by their mom, as well as being involved with the surrounding 4-H activities.  Georgia Oakes is also a newcomer to the circle of horse show competition.  She is the daughter of Darby and Erin Oakes and became involved with 4-H this year.  All three children have taken on the duties of caring, cleaning and feeding their horses to get them ready for shows.  

 The name of their 4-H Club is “Bangor Silver Spurs” and they are members.  For all the 4-Her’s August 3-5 have been very busy as they prepared for the fair competitions. Their club has 9 members that competed this year. They are: Cordelia Adams, Machaela Adams, Rebecca Adams, Carter King, Millie King, Samantha Mandingo, Georgia Oakes, Emily Warner, and Sarah Warner.  

Carter, Millie and Georgia returned home on Sunday with many blue ribbons and a couple of red ones.  Examples of classes the children competed in are:

     Beginning Canter Riding (Trail)

     Walk/Trot Beginning Canter Pleasure

     W/T  Beginning Equitation

     W/T  Beginning Command

     W/T  Beginning Canter Egg and Spoon

     W/T  Beginning Canter Barrels

     Musical Sacks JR. and SR. Riders

    Leadline Pleasure (age 5-7)

     Leadline Equitation

     Simon Says

     Egg and Spoon

 Georgia Oakes had the best time of 24 seconds as she and her horse Ringo cleaned up. Congratulations to you both, it was quite a good showing.  

As the end of the competition neared, the black clouds began to cover the sky.  One more competition to go and it was the costume class.  All the members that entered this class came in with a story and a costume to match.  Georgia came dressed in a beautiful dress while Millie was a Hobo.  Little brother Carter was a robber and teased about stealing a horse that stood nearby.  It was an enjoyable weekend with young people and watching how much knowledge they have already gained.