Equine enthusiasts invited to attend horse show on July 14

A yearly fan-favorite event will be returning to the Whitley County Fairgrounds next week. The event is set to take place on Friday, July 14, at 6 p.m.

Tracy Siler Centers, the event’s coordinator, took the reins after the fair board approached her and asked if she would be willing to take on the horse show.

It is no question why Centers was approached to coordinate the event.

“I have always lived on a farm. Growing up, we always had horses and mules. My love for horses started as a very young child. My father farmed with horses. I have trail ridden many miles, showed, helped with gaited horse events, and also helped in rodeo events for four years,” Centers explained.

When asked about the process of coordinating the event, Centers was quick to showcase gratitude for others.

“It has been great! The horse community has been very responsive, and a lot of folks have been reaching out to see how they could help during the event,” Centers said.

Centers spoke highly of the horse community, sharing they have made horse shows fun.

“Horse folks are wonderful people and a lot of fun to be around,” Centers said.

The horse show will have 22 classes and an egg toss at intermission. The first class will be for the future cowboys and cowgirls. The leadline class is free for riders 12 and under. Adults will lead their young ones, and everyone will receive a ribbon. Among other classes, they have stick horse class (bring your own stick horse), a costume class, speed racking, barrel racing, pole bending, classes for gaited horses, and two championship classes.

The event has a fantastic announcer lined up and a judge.

Miss Whitley County Fair will be handing out the awards. Trophies will be awarded to first place, and first – third place will receive a ribbon and payout.

The Whitley County Future Farmers of America (FFA) will be volunteering.

Registration will open at 5 p.m., an hour before the event is set to begin.

All horses/mules must have a negative coggins test to enter the fair ground.

A coggins test is a blood test to identify if a horse is a carrier of Equine Infectious Anemia, or EIA, a viral disease that is typically found in horses. EIA can also be referred to as “swamp fever”.

Centers showcased excitement for the show and spoke about why the event is always so fun for her and the horse community.

“We love the crowd! It makes our day when we are approached by someone because we love to talk about our horses. We love to hear the laughter and excitement of all those in the stands,” Centers said.

The horse show brings joy and excitement to anyone interested.

“We are very, very excited to see everyone! We want to see the fair grow in the years to come, and I think this year is going to be great,” Centers exclaimed. “The fair board is working very hard, and I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the horse show… I want to encourage everyone to come out and see the event and cheer on your favorite horse and rider.”