Close Enough Stables

Every year in September myself and hundreds of other people around the state of Virginia gather at the Lexington Va. Horse Center for the Va. State 4-H Show.

This show brings together 4-Hers from all over the state to compete in many different catagories. It takes hundreds of volunteers to make it work and many long nights.

We (myself-Linda, Nene Estep, Helen Matney, Cookie Ketron and Ashley Owens are the Stable Crew. We check you and your horse in, check cogins and assign your stalls.

This year we will dearly miss one of our crew who lost his battle with cancer late last year. Even though he was sick he was at the show last year and gave everything he could to help the 4-H'ers. His daughter Ashley is a top contender at State and I'm sure she will carry on as David would have wanted.

 We salute you DAVID OWENS for the love, care and time you gave your children and many other children in the State of Virginia. Your kindness will live on in your memory.

Above is Ashley with her father David and below is Ashley and her Horse at the State show representing Russell County in 2006.

Sadley shortly after losing her father Ashley also lost her horse to cancer.

Ashley, we salute your strength.

               Below is a Miniature Horse Driving Class

               Below-A large class in the indoor Arena.

 Stalls are decorated to be judged. It is usually decorated according to the Horse Club. It's always interesting to walk thru the barns to look at the stall decorations.

                      Adjustments are made...

              And of course, the stall must be kept clean.

 The show will have 3 or 4 rings showing at the same time for the near 600 4-H kids.

                    Everyone works very, very hard.

 Helmets must be worn at all times when riders are on the horses or in the show ring.

 You will find many different colors, styles and types of riders and horses.

 Below are pictures of the Drill Team Competition which takes lots of work and is soooo much fun to watch.

More Pictures from the State 4-H Horse Show

 Below are some of our 4-H staff & volunteers that work hard to make the show a success.

       The devil made her do it...

Geese have a special place in the LARS Club. Below is Club President holding our mascot along with other members of the club.  

   LARS Club President is given a       tie from LARS members, Nene,              Helen & Linda.

 Below LARS Club President explains the rules of the club to other State 4-H Horseshow workers. Danny watches with much interest.

 Horse Show workers take a much needed break for lunch as Cookie discusses campaign notes for the next LARS election should Danny decide to run against the present Presedent.

 Workers Helen & Cookie pause to look in the tower as their picture is taken.

 CHOW TIME !

 Security is a top Priority for the 4-H Horse Show.

HI EARL ! 

 You did WHAT ???

Marshall, Leave a little for the others. 

 below, THE STABLE OFFICE

 It takes a lot of work to get ready for the show as many of the pictures will show.

   Feet must be cleaned and shined.

                  Trail Class

     A 4-Her ready to show her POA

A child braids a forelock while the horse gets a snack. 

   Horse and rider approach the ring.

  

     Rider and horse take a break.

  Above-riders head to the show area

   Below- Gymkana (speed) Classes

               Barrell Racing

          Above-Pole Bending

         Below-Key Hole Race

        Shhhhhh ! He sleeping !

 It takes a lot of work and time to get ready to show.

 Even the horses like to watch their competition.

 Below you see Miniatures where they show Trail, Jumping and Showmanship classes.

         Watching and Waiting...

  Below a class lines up after showing.