Horse show kicks off Jefferson County Fair

FAIRFIELD — The 4-H/FFA horse show kicked off the Greater Jefferson County Fair Tuesday at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Fairfield.

It was a picture-perfect day for horses and humans alike as temperatures hovered in the mid-70s. Unlike last year, there are no attendance restrictions at this year’s fair, so the public is invited to attend the many free activities offered all week. Last year’s fair was limited to family members of 4-H and FFA exhibitors.

Kylie Wise, 15, and Elizabeth Tedrow, 14, competed in several events during the horse show and plan on spending all week at the fair. In addition to competing in the speed events with their horses such as barrel racing and pole bending, Wise will participate in the dog show and will show her calf.

Tedrow will compete in the dog show and will show her bottle lamb. Wise and Tedrow said they have a number of friends who are in 4-H and that participation in this year’s fair events is good.

Wise said she spends a lot of time practicing her routines with her horse. She has to worry about washing her horse and preparing all the equipment it wears like the saddle and reins. Tedrow said she practices with her horses every day, and for the other events, focuses on their manners.

Wise said the hardest part about practicing on barrels is not knocking the barrels over as the horse goes by.

“Your shins will hurt if you do that,” Tedrow added.