Competitors Meet the Challenge of the 4-H State Competitive Trail Ride

The 2008 PA 4-H State Competitive Trail Ride, known as "The Keystone Ride", was held on September 19-20, 2008 in Bald Eagle State Forest. 4-H members, leaders, family and friends arrived with their horses early Friday, September 19th, went through pre-ride inspections and prepared to participate in the competitive trail ride on Saturday the 20th. The 2008 Keystone Ride had participants from Bedford, Blair, Clearfield, Lancaster, Jefferson and Wyoming counties.

Competitive trail riding takes place on well-marked trails at a timed pace. Judges observe the ride, inspecting the horses before and after the competition. The ride is not a race against time. Scoring is based on the overall condition of the horse, with points subtracted for any changes in their horse’s condition.

The ride offers high point awards in three divisions. This year's winners were: High Point 4-H Jr. Rider –Megan Oliver, Wyoming County; High Point 4-H Senior Rider – Shalise Gallaher; Clearfield County, High Point Adult Rider- Chandra Whipp, Bedford County.

Blue Seal Feeds, Inc. generously donated awards for the top three high point winners in each division. A bag of Sunshine Plus conditioning supplement was donated for the high point winners, and a tub of E-Z Hoof supplement was donated for the second and third place high point winners.

Division Winners:
Division A - Jr. Riding Ponies: First – Cassity Brennan, Bedford, Second – Victoria Ward, Bedford; Third – Alyssa Keefer, Lancaster; Fourth –Mikayla Ishman, Jefferson.

Division B - Sr. Riding Ponies: First –Leslie Weller, Lancaster; Second –Ayrian Talbert, Bedford, Third – Nicole Miller, Bedford.

Division C - Jr. Riding Horses: First – Megan Oliver-Wyoming; Second—Frances McAninch, Clearfield; Third—Tanner Shipley.

Division D - Sr. Riding Horses: First – Shalise Gallaher, Clearfield; Second—Lauren Myers; Lancaster Third—Ashley Pletcher, Blair.

Division E - Adult/Leader Light Weight: First –Chris Ward, Bedford; Second – Jenny Shipley, Bedford; Third – Danielle Foust, Wyoming.

Division F - Adult/Leader Heavy Weight: First – Chandra Whipp, Bedford; Second – Cynthia Weller, Lancaster; Third – Cindie Reitz, Jefferson; Fourth—Connie Oliver, Wyoming; Fifth –Jennifer Harper, Lancaster; Sixth—Lauren Carpenter, Bedford.

The ride also offers horsemanship awards for each youth division. The horsemanship division is judged on overall care and handling of the horse or pony before, during and after the competitive trail ride. This year’s winners in the Junior Division: First—Alyssa Keefer, Lancaster; Second—Megan Oliver, Wyoming; Third—Frances McAninch, Clearfield. In the Senior Division: First—Lauren Myers, Lancaster: Second—Nicole Miller, Bedford; Third—Ashley Pletcher, Blair.

This ride is an annual event coordinated by Patricia Comerford and Andrea Graeff. Mr. Richard Ely, from Somerset County serves as the volunteer leader for the event. Dr. Scott McAllister, Centre Equine Practice, served as the vet judge for the ride, Mrs. Jennifer Zajaczkowski served as the lay judge, and Mrs. Helene McKernan served as the horsemanship judge. Mrs. Kathy Fye of Centre County served as official timer for the event. Additional help for the ride is provided by PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry, local competitive trail riders: Millie Turner and Patty Lambert, members of the Nittany Amateur Radio Club, Penn State Animal Science 327 students, CHAPS of Penn State and many local volunteers.

“Clearfield County is very proud of the two 4-H members they sent to this year’s event. They are newcomers to this event and placed extremely high for their first year.” Jana Lynne Davidson, Children & Youth Development Educator for Penn State Cooperative Extension of Clearfield County. Shalise Gallaher who took home top honors is the 17 year old daughter of Dave & Rhonda Gallaher, Jr. of Grampian. Shalise is an active member of the Cowboy Up 4-H Club and also the Clearfield County 4-HTeen Council. Frances McAninch of the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club was recognized not only for her accomplishments in the trail ride, but for her outstanding horsemanship skills as well. Frances is the 13 year old daughter of Dan & Phyllis McAninch of DuBois.

The Competitive Trail Ride project is open to all 4-H Horse members in Pennsylvania. For more information on 4-H horse programs, contact your county Penn State Extension office or go to: www.das.psu.edu/4h/horse/.

Photo: Shalise Gallaher of Grampian was named the 4-H High Point Senior Rider and also received first place honors in the Division D – Senior Rider Horse Category.