Last minute preparations before fair opens Saturday
Helena Dowler practicing her riding techniques with her horse, Delta, on Friday afternoon before the fair opens on Saturday. (Photo by Sophie Wheeler)
Regan Whitten drying her heifer, Ruby, Friday afternoon before the fair opens on Saturday. (Photo by Sophie Wheeler)
Helena Dowler practicing her riding techniques with her horse, Delta, on Friday afternoon before the fair opens on Saturday. (Photo by Sophie Wheeler)
Regan Whitten drying her heifer, Ruby, Friday afternoon before the fair opens on Saturday. (Photo by Sophie Wheeler)
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MARIETTA - As the Washington County Fair opens Saturday morning, 4-H participants were getting their their animals and themselves ready Friday for the events ahead.
4-H member Regan Whitten has been showing livestock at the fair for five years, and shows steers and breeding heifers. She said this year she's most excited about competing in showmanship for cows and how well she can do. She's also excited to exhibit her heifer, Ruby, that she has been working with all year in preparation for the fair.
Whitten’s preparations start in January, and showing steers and heifers is more than just the fair weekend. She said there is a process in getting her cows fair ready, such as halter breaking them, getting used to daily washing and handling by others, and taking them to different places so by the time they arrive at the fairgrounds they are comfortable and calm.
"Then when we get them here, they're calmed down and just like a big puppy dog," she said.
Helena Dowler said while she has been in 4-H for years, this is her first time competing. In addition to the competition, she loves the community aspect and getting to show with her friends which makes the fair fun. Dowler shows horses and this year is in the “Horse in the Ranch” class, where the riders are judged on the handling of horses at different speeds and how the horse would be handled as if it were on a ranch, she said.
While working with her horse, Delta, Dowler has worked the most on control and ensuring Delta is always listening to her.
"I try to work on making sure she's paying attention to me rather than the trees," she said.
Dowler said Thursday night was the most stressful for her, and getting the trailer loaded and making sure both her and Delta were ready for the fair days ahead.
The Washington County Fair opens Saturday through Tuesday.