State 4-H horse show starts Friday

The 56th annual New Mexico State 4-H Horse Show will be held on Friday and Saturday at the Quay County Rodeo arena in Tucumcari.

During this time the community has supported the event with donations toward prizes, many volunteer hours and great hospitality, said Quay County Extension Office Director Brenda Bishop.

Bishop said there are 20 contestants who have signed up to take part in the event.

The increase is a welcome change from last year's cancellation, Bishop said, since there was no horse show in 2017 due to a lack of entries. She said the cancellation was last minute and the organizers are happy with the number of people who registered before Monday's deadline.

Bishop said the horse show superintendent will be Ruth Nelson, with April McKnight as the Assistant Superintendent and Stall Manager.

TJ Riddle will be the announcer.

The horseshow will begin at 6 p.m., Friday with the trail competition. At 7 a.m. Saturday, halter classes will begin the competition followed by the English Classes and Western Riding classes.

Admission to the horse show is free.

There is still time to sign up for the 2018 Quay County 4-H Rodeo that will be held July 27-28 in Tucumcari, Bishop said.

"So far we have 82 people signed up for the rodeo with more than 10 expected to sign up before Friday's deadline," she said.

Bishop said events will include speed events such as barrels and poles, roping events such as break-away and team roping, and rough stock events such as steer and bull riding. She said all Quay County 4-Hers and their parents are very busy during this event as they help with the many activities and run a concession stand.

"Our volunteers is what makes our rodeo a true family event as parents are working side-by-side with their children," Bishop said. "We also have more than 25 volunteers that do not have kids in 4-H, who work hard to make the rodeo a success."

This year's announcer will be Jaree Elliott.