FAIR DRAWS OVER 300 FOR ANNUAL HORSE SHOW

Horse lovers of all ages enjoyed their day in the sun Saturday at the the 139th SEMO District Fair.

About 330 entrants participated in 19 different categories at the 6th-annual SEMO Fair Horse Show Sunday afternoon. Classes during the 6-hour event ranged from leadline to English pleasure to western pleasure for men, ladies and youths.

For each class, the ring was filled with beautifully-groomed animals and properly-dressed riders while being perused by a certified judge.

"This is the biggest show between St. Louis and Memphis," said Becky Huck, a coordinator of the show. "People from Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas participate in this show."

In western competition, riders were dressed in long-sleeved shirts, cowboy boots and hats. In the English classes, participants also were required to wear traditional riding wear for their event.

Huck said the show allows participants to demonstrate their love of riding. She said horses at this show from year to year also will participate in competitions at the national level. Entrants aren't restricted by a performance level; for a $3 entry fee, the events at the SEMO show are open to anyone.

A trophy was awarded to the first place finisher in each class and ribbons were given to the top seven places.

More than 40 corporate and personal sponsors contribute to the horse show making the event possible.

"We wouldn't be able to do this without the sponsors or the fair," said Huck.

In addition to seeing the horse show, Sunday fair-goers could pay $10 for wrist band that let them enjoy unlimited midway rides until 5 p.m.

Wrist bands will be available again Tuesday and Wednesday from 5-11 p.m. and Friday from noon until 5 p.m.

Although official figures weren't available, fair coordinators said attendance over the weekend was very good.