Contestants lined their horses up for judging at the Butte County Jr. Horse Show held at the Butte County Fairgrounds last weekend. Photo courtesy of Maisie Jean-Cousins

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Youth from around Butte County were able to highlight their skills and show off their equines at the Butte County Junior Horse Show held in Gridley over the weekend of Aug. 17.

The show was held at the Butte County Fair Arena and featured English, Western and Ranch discipline horses.

 Some of the winners of the Butte County Jr. Horse Show showcase their champion belt buckles and other winnings after the competition held Aug. 17 at the BCF arena. Photo courtesy of Maisie Jean-Cousins

 “Whoa!” This youth rider smiles as they compete at the Butte County Jr. Horse Show held recently in Gridley. Photo courtesy of Maisie Jean-Cousins

Maisie Jean Cousins of the University of California Cooperative Extension, Butte County, and the show’s manager told the Herald the event “welcomed 4-H, FFA and Grange members in Butte and surrounding counties” and that it hopes to return each August.

Heather Corfee judged 15 entries shown by youth ages 18 and under. Jean-Cousins says that each class of judging varies dependent on whether it is English pleasure, Ranch pleasure or Western pleasure classes, which judges the movements of the horse, versus Equitation classes, which judge the posture of the riders.

Contestants could be seen walking their horses, mounting and riding them for judges throughout the show, also wearing the appropriate attire depending on what class they were showing in.

Champions included Quincy Watner (Durham 4-H) Junior English Champion, Western Champion and Ranch Champion; Lolo Gore (Durham 4-H) Intermediate Western Champion and Ranch Champion; Meridian Pulsifer (Hallwood 4-H) Senior Western Champion, Senior Ranch Champion; Rowan Riley (Shasta 4-H)- 18 & Under Walk-Jog Champion and Ella Proano (Hallwood 4-H)- 18 and Under Walk-Jog Reserve Champion.

Beautiful belt buckles were awarded to high point champions, with ribbons and buckets filled with goodies going to other participants for their outstanding animals.