The October issue of Maryland’s statewide Equiery magazine praised Kent County leaders who reorganized the local 4-H riding club and successfully hosted Maryland’s most improved county fair horse show. The competition is sponsored by Bits and Bridles 4-H Riding Club.
Stephanie Turner, club sponsor, as well as county newcomer and western riding champion Tim Ketterman, long established stable owner Ms. Bert Lindauer of Running W Farm and Kennels, and County Extension agent Beth Hill were sited in Equiery. The Kent County club owes the success to a bold experiment adopted by the four. Their concept, placing ponies and horses with determined youngsters on a yearlong “loan” basis, was launched two years ago.
“Lindauer and her husband James are two of those generous owners who share ponies and horses they’ve accumulated and rescued,” said Equiery. Ketterman and Hill provided the essential energy needed for any organizational success.
The actual exhibitors and ribbon-winners were the club’s 4-Hers who worked hard, competed in classes, and are led by their 13-year-old club president Cora Duncan. Duncan contacted the County’s longtime Ag Center president John Plumber to see if her members and their parents could help spruce up the show ring and horse barn prior to opening day. Plumber lent his full support and personal labor. For the first time in fair history, the horse barn at the much improved Tolchester fairgrounds was totally booked and entries climbed 30 percent.
“Popular open classes (not limited to 4-H members) and the welcoming style used by officials catered to county fair spectators. The horse show displayed more southern hospitality than mid-Atlantic reserve,” said Equiery. “Stall decorations were vibrant, educational and intended to lure new enthusiasts to the sport.”
Kent County’s fair is the oldest among all Maryland counties, and has been held at four different locations.
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