Suffolk Horse Show Association Member News

SHSA represented well at 4H State Competition

Six of our Youth members attended the largest ever Virginia State 4H Competition. Renee Dixon, Demmi Hersh, Ashley Kennedy, Megan Kobiela, Brooke Lampert, Hunter McMakin, Elizabeth Moore, Christopher Ringer, Donna Stenstrum, and Miranda Vines competed with more than 600 4H participants in Lexington, Virginia on September 15, 16 and 17.

Demmis' mom, Caroline Hersh said "We had to do a little work with the girls about different judges
looking for different things....one of the many learning experiences at Lexington."

Megan Kobiela and her Appendix mare, Detailed Perfection (aka Callie), won Reserve Champion in Senior Hunter Showmanship (16-19). The team placed eighth in Hunter Pleasure and they had an extremely good ride in Trail, especially considering this was Callie's 3rd time on a trail course. "This
may be Megan's last 4H State Show before she heads off to college next year, we'll see..." said her dad Steve.

"They had a fabulous time and learned soo much. This was the best show we have ever attended! I am already making reservations for next year!" said Vanessa McMakin referring to Hunter's experience.

This was Elizabeth Moore's first year competing at the State level. "She was shaking in her boots waiting for her turn," said Christopher Ringer, "but she was focused and did really well."

Christopher Ringer didn't do as well as hoped. "He and Reb are an amazing team, regardless of the judges" remarked Caroline Hersh. Christopher had one of the more impressive goes in the Trail Competition. He was one of the few who completed all of the obstacles and the whole crowd cheered when he finished. Unfortunately, he timed out just two steps from the end poles.

Colby Ringer, a 4H Clover Bud, had a fantastic weekend. He won a first place ribbon for his art contest entry, placed 8th out of 40 in the Junior Horse Judging Competition and celebrated his 9th Birthday with two cakes and lots of presents!

Miranda Vines also competed for the first time bringing her Friesian Mare, Vadonna.

Here are some of the highlights:

Stephanie Sperling and Sheza Summer Blast do well at their first show

Stephanie Sperling and her 2 year old Sheza Summer Blast Attended their first Paint show together at Rosemount Farms in Spotsylvania in July and performed incredibly well.  Steph and Summer took 2 year old performance horse champion showing both Hunter and Western and also earned Summers first 2 APHA points in Western Horsemanship. Way to go Steph!