4-H members compete in horse show

On the chilly morning of January 14, three Bonsall 4-H members set out for the first horse show of the year. Arriving early in the morning, the three were nervous with anticipation of what the day might bring. As the other exhibitors began to pull up with their trailers in tow, they knew that soon the competition would begin.

The first to go in the ring was Raquel Varela, 14, and her horse, Not of This World (a.k.a. Diablo). Their class was showmanship and the team came out with a third place. Throughout the day, Varela and Diablo obtained two third places, one first place, one fourth place and four second places in a combination of English and western riding.

Jesse Volz, 13, headed into the classes of English equitation and pleasure with his horse, Society Kid. The duo earned first place in both classes.

Next, Brianna Dombroske, 15, and Out of Africa came out with many good places in their classes.

With the end of the show day drawing near, Dombroske and Volz loaded their horses and headed for home, while Varela and Diablo waited for the results of the high point award. With the tension building the announcer called out, “Raquel Varela and Not of This World with 33 points, barely missing the high point of thirty-five.” Although a little disappointed, Varela and her family left the show with their heads held high because… this was the very first time Diablo and Varela had ever gone for high point.

Volz, Dombroske and Varela placed well in all of their classes and 4-H wishes them the best for the horse shows to come.