Ten tips for a better county fair experience

By Karin Livingston
Correspondent

The Larimer County Fair is the high point of the year for youngsters who have spent months dreaming about winning blue ribbons and trophies on horseback, but for those who don't know the ropes, it can be a frustrating experience.

If you didn't do as well as you planned this year, or are a rookie, there is hope. The key is to start building that winning experience now. These 10 tips will help you do a better job next year:

1. Make sure you have the right horse for the job. A good all-around horse has a golden attitude and fairly athletic conformation. Skills can be trained; attitude cannot. If you need to make a change, the fall and winter can be better times to buy a horse because the show season is over. If you're a Novice or Level 1 rider, stay away from young, inexperienced horses, and get an expert to consult on your purchase. Everyone needs to have his or her prospective purchase checked by a veterinarian,
2. Join 4-H and make sure you stay actively involved with your project horse. The fair's horse show is open only to those children enrolled in the Larimer County 4-H horse project. The new 4-H year begins Oct. 1. It's no coincidence that the 4-H'ers who spend the most time with their horses win lots of ribbons. If you're bored with schooling drills, try new activities that provide relaxation and fun. A trail ride might be a nice change of pace.
3. Set specific, achievable goals for the next 12 months. Look at your challenge areas and design goals from them. Make a list and post it where you see it every day. Good goals are realistic, specific and achievable. A sample goal might be: "I will pass my Level II riding test before the fair." (The 4-H riding levels program is perfect because it provides highly specific, built-in goals.) Avoid vague, impossible goals like "I will beat everybody in equitation."
4. Get help. It's worth the money to take a few private lessons from your horse project leader or another trainer who knows what you're trying to accomplish. If you can't afford regular lessons, set up a tune-up plan with an expert who will critique you and give you homework. Avoid waiting until the summer to get feedback. It takes a long time to make significant changes in horses and riders.
5. Find friends who share your interests. There are many different kinds of 4-H clubs out there. Some meet once a week, others less. Some have many members, some just a few. Some focus on showing, others on gymkhana or the ranch horse events. Ask your Larimer County Extension Office, 498-6000, for information.
6. Attend horse council meetings. The Larimer County Horse Council devotes its time to developing and improving the 4-H horse project. Policies for horse activities including the fair are changed and refined by this advisory group. By attending, you provide feedback and gain timely, valuable information. Monthly meetings take place in the evenings at the fairgrounds. Check with the Extension Office for dates and times.
7. Practice your showmanship skills. While it looks simple to lead a horse through a pattern, showmanship is a complicated art that demonstrates harmony between the handler and horse. Get help from somebody who is good at it and then practice. You can't fake showmanship with a couple of weeks of training just before the fair. It takes months to develop the precision, responsiveness, rhythm and attitude necessary for a high placing in the class.
8. Study for the written test. Newcomers are always surprised that the fair written test counts just like a regular show class. Like showmanship, the written test can affect your all-around standings. In the case of a tie for high point, the written test is the tiebreaker. Consider joining Horse Bowl, the horse trivia contest that takes place in spring. The regular study sessions with your team improve your knowledge and help you build friendships. If you don't have enough people (five) for your own team, alert the Extension Office. They can help find other players.
9. Attend many horse shows before the fair. The fairgrounds indoor arena and the outdoor arena next to the carnival can spook some horses. Attend a few club-sponsored shows at the fairgrounds to help your horse with the challenging environment. Earlier in the season, attend local saddle club shows (that work off of the 4-H Rule Book) so you get used to the 4-H rules, patterns, clothing styles and latest trends in showing.
10. Keep learning. Attend seminars and clinics that interest you. Dollar for dollar, there is no better educational value than the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo in March at Denver's Stock Show complex. The Expo features new ideas and detailed demonstrations by recognized experts as well as retail booths. Locally, many stable owners and 4-H clubs also sponsor useful clinics throughout the year.

Good luck, and see you at next year's fair!

Karin Livingston is a 15-year horse project 4-H leader, riding levels rater and owner of Poudre River Stables in Fort Collins.