Plenty of horsing around at the Medina County Fair

MEDINA — Equestrian enthusiasts took part in the 175-year-old Medina County Fair's Horse and Pony Show on Tuesday morning. Returning contestant and 4-H member Morgan Kuals participated in the 16-year-old ranch riding, ranch pleasure and western showmanship competitions. Through Kuals' five years in the 4-H program, she said, "the aim has always been to improve with each year." Kuals admits that raising horses takes a lot of time and a great deal of money, but her motivation is the fun she's had competing each year as well as she "enjoys watching her horses grow." Contestant Bella Majzun agrees. Majzun, active for 10 years, said the show is "a good experience because it's a chance to have fun and show your horse, especially if you have a good bond with your horse." Another show contestant, Kaylee Matheny, and her horse, West, have been active for 11 years. Matheny shared her perspective on a technique she believes is crucial to winning, which is "to stay calm, the calmer you are, the calmer your horse will be." Her mother, Tiffany Matheny, said watching her daughter ride and show is wonderful. "I'm very proud of her because she does all the work that needs to be put into taking care of her horse," she said. The look of both horse and rider is just one part of the judging. The cleanliness, control and presentation of the horse and contestant are also judged, "but that's not all," said Horse and Pony show Judge Mandy Dacek. "We look for partnership," Dacek said. "A good partnership is exhibited by a rider's ability to lead the horse to complete the intended pattern." Dacek said her family finds the competition boring, but she could "sit here for hours" because, in each team of horse and rider, Dacek can "see the hard work each has put into the competition, the time and money, and the growth and bond between horse and rider." Kuals said she treasures memories of raising new horses and showing them off at the fair for the first time. Kuals took first place Tuesday in the English pleasure competition and is now hoping to place highly again in her competitions throughout the week. Overall, Kuals said she believes she has learned patience and responsibility from her time at the fair and just wants to keep showing her horses for years to come. Kuals' advice to younger horse trainers who wish to compete is, "when you feel like you failed, try to keep going and push through it." Participants in the horse and pony show have the opportunity to win ribbons, trophies and cash prizes as contestants place from 1-10 in each competition. Kuals encourages kids and teens looking for "something rewarding and positive," to join her at next year's Medina County Fair Horse and Pony Show. Zuri Howerton, a sophomore at Brunswick High School, and Matthew Kovach, a senior at Medina County Career Center, are two of more than 50 student "backpack journalists" (grades 6-12) in the award-winning BEAT Video Program.