Horse events big draw at fair

By Steve Miller, Journal Staff Writer | Friday, August 19, 2005

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RAPID CITY -- Horses will be the first attraction to start at the Central States Fair this weekend, with about 220 horses and riders expected to compete in the Central States Fair Quarter Horse Shows running Friday through Sunday, Aug. 19-21.

Action begins at 7:30 a.m. today in Bray Arena with halter and showmanship classes. About noon, the show moves to Pennington County Event Center for performance classes, according to horse committee chairwoman Mary London.

The same format will be followed Saturday and Sunday, although Saturday will be "double judged," resulting in two shows.

The four shows in three days are part of the draw for competitors in the American Quarter Horse Association-sanctioned event, London said.

She said she is anticipating between 375 and 400 entries, with some horses entered in more than one class. As of Tuesday, there were 170 stall reservations, with more coming in each day, she said.

The show attracts horses and owners from this region and from as far away as Iowa, Kansas and Canada.

The horse show is held in conjunction every year with the Center of the Nation Quarter Horse Futurity.

Action is expected to last until evening all three days, London said.

There is no admission charge for spectators for any of the horse events, other than admission to the fairgrounds.

Other horse events at the fair include:

-- Team penning — About 100 riders from this region and as far away as Southern Colorado and Wisconsin are expected to compete in team penning Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20-21, in Rounds Arena behind the Central States Fair office. If contestants aren't deterred by high fuel prices, the event should have about the same number as last year's competition, which saw nearly 400 entries, according to organizer Kenny Selting. They will compete for more than $2,000 in added money in buckles. Classes range from entry level to professional, Selting said. The event is sanctioned by the U.S. Team Penning Association, but local riders can buy a day membership to compete, he said. Dale Kruetz of Sturgis is providing stock. Action begins at 9 a.m. both days.

-- Mounted Shooters — The Black Hills Mounted Shooters will hold a demonstration at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, at Bray Arena. City officials last year said the Mounted Shooters were violating a city ordinance banning discharge of firearms within the city limits. However, the city later designated the fairgrounds a designated shooting gallery, so this year's show will go on, according to Central States Fair general manager Ron Jeffries.

-- Ranch Horse — Ranch Horse competition will begin at 8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, and run until about 6 p.m. in the event center. London said there are 102 entries, a record number for the fair. "We had to turn away entries." The top 10 placings will get a preferred entry into the Ranch Horse competition at next winter's Black Hills Stock Show. Last year, more than $14,000 in cash and prizes were awarded at the Ranch Horse competition. Divisions are: Open, Rancher (horse must be owned by a ranch family) Ladies Open (new this year), 3-Year-Old (for 3-year-old horses only), Ladies Rancher and Youth.

-- Northern Plains Reining Horse Association Jackpot reining, 4:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 22, Bray Arena.

-- Draft horse pull, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, Bray Arena.

-- Women's Professional Rodeo Association Divisional Tour Barrel Race, 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, event center.

-- Carriage show, 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, Bray Arena.

-- Open Team Roping, 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 26, event center.

-- Miniature Horse Show, 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, and 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, Bray Arena.

-- Badlands Cowboy Classic Production Horse Sale, 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, Rounds Arena.

-- Cattle cutting, 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 27-28, event center.

Contact Steve Miller at 394-8417 or steve.miller@rapidcityjournal.com