Youths learn valuable lessons at Canfield show

June 24, 2012 at 12:05a.m.

CANFIELD

To a casual observer, the goings-on Saturday at Canfield Fairgrounds probably looked like, well, horseplay.

But to those in the know, there was more to it. Much more.

Friendships were being forged and strengthened in the summer sun, and young riders were putting on display their lessons learned about things like responsibility, overcoming obstacles and engaging in friendly competition.

It was the Gail T. Dennison Scholarship Horse Show, held each year for the past 10 years, sponsored by the Mahoning County 4-H Saddle Horse Committee. Proceeds from the event are combined with an endowment left by Ms. Dennison, to provide college scholarships for two 4-H members each year, said Warner Lawson of Poland, MCSHC key leader.

More than 100 riders ranging in age from 8 to 18 took part in the all-day event, competing for ribbons and awards. But to one of the many spectators who had come out to watch, there was more on the line than that.

“It’s not about the ribbons,” said 63-year-old Sandra Brewer of Greenford. “It’s about making memories.”

Brewer and her husband, Ron, also 63, had come out to watch their 9-year-old granddaughter, Natalie Kemmer, of the Just Chancing It 4-H Club.

“This is her first show in 4-H,” Mrs. Brewer said, smiling widely. “It’s really something. We’re so proud of her.”

Although neither of the Brewers were in 4-H as youngsters, Mrs. Brewer said she grew up around horses and learned to ride as a little girl.

“And when I got married, my husband bought me horses, and we took off from there,” she said. The couple operates the Just By Chance Farm on Lisbon-Canfield Road in Canfield Township, where they own 13 horses that are ridden by their eight grandchildren.

Mrs. Brewer said the 4-H program is excellent because “kids learn responsibility by taking care of animals, and then they get to show them off.”

Laura Grahovac of North Lima also was at the event with her daughter, Stephanie, 15, who participated in the speed-contest events. Stephanie has been riding since she was 3, is a four-time champion of various events at Canfield Fair, and in May placed first in pole-bending and second in barrel racing at the state level of high school rodeo in Lancaster, Ohio.

She qualified for the national competition, which is in New Mexico, but won’t get to participate due to the travel involved.

“It’s all about learning,” Grahovac said of why she likes her daughter being involved in 4-H. “It teaches [kids] about responsibility. She has grown so much through this.

“Just the bond with her horse — it’s like a mother and child. It’s matured her and taught her to socialize.”

Stephanie, who rides an American Quarter Horse named Hero, said she likes engaging in the faster events.

“I just love competing,” she said. “I love going against the other riders, trying to get the fastest time. I love that you can be friends and still compete against each other.” She is a member of the Mahoning County Winners Circle 4-H Club.

Sportsmanship, Grahovac said, is one of the invaluable lessons her daughter has learned through the competitions.

Lawson said he was pleased with the turnout Saturday because economic conditions have kept the numbers down in recent years.

“It’s not a cheap hobby. You’re probably looking at an expense of $400 or $500 a month to own a horse,” he said. “But it teaches the kids a lot. It’s a good thing.”

With many families struggling to make ends meet, most haven’t had the extra money to raise horses and take them to competitions.

He said the MCSHC will hold a Points Against Standards riding competition today in the South Draft Ring at the fairgrounds, beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing all day.

Winners of those events will qualify for state competition. The event is free to the public.

“It’s a very family-oriented activity,” Lawson said. “We want to get as many people involved as we can, even if they’re just out here to watch.