Published: May 14, 2008 04:03 pm            

Upcoming 4-H shows to feature defending state champion guard

DANVILLE — Most second-year coaches are likely still dreaming of their first championship rather than planning how to defend one. But Laura Smith is not most coaches.

Smith is the leader of the Hendricks County Bridle Bunch Horse & Pony Club’s Color Guard team that recently returned to practice after receiving the distinction of state champion at last year’s Indiana State Fair.

“No Hendricks County team has ever done a repeat, so we’re hoping for that,” Smith said. “But really, it’s all about the team and the kids and what they can accomplish with the horses.”

The current eight-member color guard ranges in age from 12 to 16 and team members are all part of Hendricks County 4-H.

Color Guard competitions involve extensive training in which horses and their riders must execute a pattern of synchronized maneuvers.

Those who know the sport say that getting eight horses and eight riders all on the same page is not an easy task.

“It takes a strong rider and a good kid-horse bond.” Smith said.

Parent Reed Blair, whose daughter Veronica rides in the color guard, said that not all horses are able to compete in such fashion.

“It’s like linemen on a football team,” he said. “You want them to line up shoulder to shoulder and that’s what the judges are looking for is precise, tight groups. Some horses can’t do that because they are kickers or biters or basically just ornery with everyone else in the group.”

Blair added that some horses have a tendency to lean while others have a little better balance. He noted that Veronica’s horse, Mr. Oats, is more comfortable in the middle of the pack.

“He doesn’t want to lead and he’d rather have a horse in front and behind because it makes him feel safe,” Blair said.

The color guard will participate in exhibitions on May 24 and June 15 leading up to this year’s State Fair competition.

“It’s kind of a dress rehearsal for us and a chance to get some of the jitters out and get ready for the State Fair,” Smith said. “It’s also a great way for our club to raise funds for the activities we do.”

For more information on the Horse & Pony Club show, call 745-6524 or visit the website at www.BridleBunch.com.

brian.kern@flyergroup.com

        

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