I have a fantastic memories of competing in 4-H so it was amazing to come back to photograph the Marion Co Fair Horse & Pony show this year. I loved every minute! I know it sounds silly but I really love the smell of the fair! Sawdust, mud, horses mixed with fair food wafting through the air. Oh how that smell brings it all back!

So much was still the same. Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles are still sweating in the stands having no clue why their equestrian is winning or losing her class yet cheering their hearts out regardless. High School boyfriends are still wiping down their girlfriend's boots. Most parents still looked nervous tired and ragged. The kids were still going through it all, pride, fear, joy, nervousness, excitement and exhaustion- everything that the competition is that makes it so wonderful and challenging.

Coming back as an adult has made me appreciate my mom more. What a gift to have been involved in this sort of program. I see now how it has shaped my adult work ethic and character.

It was also eye opening to be behind the scenes to see all that the 4-H leaders are doing to run the show. I must admit at 18 I didn’t think much about them as I was competing in my classes or wondering where my boyfriend (now my husband) was to wipe down my boots! Running a show is hard work!

I saw some familiar faces both human and horse! Kids I helped out when I was a teenager had grown up and where teaching the next generation. Warm and fuzzies were plenty! I definitely said "When I was in 4-H......." too many times and my heart was out there with every kid through all their frustrations and victories.

I took way too many photos, but kids and horses are my favorite subject, so can you blame me for going a little overboard?

Here are a few of the images I took that week if you would like to see more of these fantastic young horseman and women, there is an open gallery on my proofing page www.artimages.zenfolio.com

Hope you enjoy viewing them as much as I enjoyed taking them