GH equestrians heading for the fair

Six 4-H members qualify to show in Pierce County Fair

Susan Schell

of the Gateway

There are only six 4-H equestrian members from Gig Harbor, but each one of them will represent the city next month at the Pierce County Fair in Graham.

Tavia Simpson, Elizabeth Sanders, Lauren Semancik, Rachel Semancik, Erika Hettick and Shawna Hettick nabbed six of the 88 stalls at the fair. To qualify, members must earn a top spot by competing with their horses in one showmanship and one riding class at one of three qualifying shows. They must also attend a judging workshop, participate in a judging, turn in a record book and do a public presentation.

Both Erika and Shawna Hettick placed best overall in their age group. The Hettick family has long been involved in 4-H — the girls’ mother, Elaine Hettick, has been a member since she was a child, and is the leader of the local chapter.

“I became a leader because there wasn’t a horse program out here,” she said. “In 4-H, they learn about public speaking, and they (the girls) have become very good at it. Judging teaches them how to make decisions as well as oral and written reasoning. Winning and losing and competing against themselves helps them get better each year.”

Hettick has witnessed that improvement in 11-year-old Erika, who is in her third year of showing with 4-H. Erika shows in the gaming category, which includes barrels and poles, keyhole and figure 8s, and speed events.

“At first, she wasn’t doing that well in the timed events, but this year she’s really picked up the speed,” Elaine Hettick said. “The horse we got her is good at the gaming events.”

Erika’s quarterhorse, Fanny Mae, is a veteran of the game.

“She’s really good at what she does,” Elaine Hettick said. “She’s 20 years old and we’ve had her for about a year and a half. We looked for her for quite a while. It takes a long time to find the right horse.”

Shawna’s 16-year-old gelding, Boopee, is also a veteran showhorse.

“I’ve been working and riding him almost every day,” said 9-year-old Shawna. “I’m working on my diagonals and my leads. He’s a very special horse. Every now and then he throws off these fun bucks and it’s fun for me.”

Shawna said she enjoys competing in the shows.

“I get nervous, but mostly there’s this funny feeling inside of me that makes me want to smile,” she said. “It makes me feel happy, and I like what I’m doing.”

Reach reporter Susan Schell at 253-853-9240 or by e-mail at susan.schell@gateline.com.