Show and tell
Provincial 4-H event being staged at NSPE grounds this weekend
Lauren Bates and Sophie Mosley have to reach down to pet the horses they’re showing in the Nova Scotia 4-H Show on the weekend. Miniature horses Nixi and Raine are closer in size to a large dog than a full size horse.
“They’re a lot like other horses, only smaller in size,” said Sophie. “Raine is bratty and sassy sometimes, and easy going others.”
Sophie, a 16-year-old member of the Harmony Ridge 4-H Club, was involved with full size horses first but started working with minis about five years ago. She will be showing Raine, who is 13 and belongs to 4-H leader Sandra Bates, in showmanship, pleasure cart and poles.
“Mum won’t let me get a mini because I have a horse,” she said. “You learn a lot with 4-H and you don’t need to have your own animal. A lot of people think it’s all about farming but there are life skill project for those who don’t want to work with animals.”
She has also shown in horse, rabbit and beef classes.
Lauren, another member of the Harmony Ridge club, began working with minis four years ago and has had Nixi, who is eight, for three years.
“I got involved because it seemed it could be an enjoyable project and they’re just cute,” she said. “Nixi’s very sweet and smart, and easy to work with. She’s quite laid back but enjoys working.”
For the past two years Nixi has helped Lauren win reserve grand champion in the pleasure cart class.
Lauren has also shown in rabbit, cavy, goat, crafts, foods and Lego, and recently began working with full size horses.
Both girls have competed at pro show before but are excited about the upcoming event.
Lauren’s sister Kaitlin joined 4-H when she was eight and now, at 24, is a leader in rabbit, cavy and miniature horse.
“4-H helped me a lot with confidence and making friends,” she said.
“It’s a good place to learn to be versatile.”
During her years of showing she received the grand champion award in dog handling a few times and went to Taiwan on a global exchange.