j program teaches sportsmans
.ids have many hobbies and sports to
-ep them occupied during the summer,
however those children who show horses
have an added advantage. The advantage is
they learn good sportsmanship.
Sho®* season usually begins in spring and
is in full swing by summer. Most of the
serious showmen have a show every week­
end.
To start with, one needs a horse. The
horse can be a cheap, grade horse or an ex­
pensive purebred Arabian or whatever breed
is favored.
The next step is to learn how to ride.
Some are lucky and have a family member
who can teach them how to ride. Others
join clubs. The Pony Club is particularly
good for those interested in showing Hun-
ter/Jumpers. 4-H is also a good source.
Clackamas County has many knowledge­
able leaders, including Jim Havelhurst, the
4-H Horse Advisory Board chairman and
Supervisor of the Clackamas County Horse
fair. According to Tom Zurchre, Clackamas
County extension agent, there are 1,055
horse 4-Her's, that is a third of the total
4-Her's in Clackamas county.
4-H is a program designed to teach youth
breed
shows there ara si
about their animals, the care of their ani­ classes. For example, at Arabian horse!
mals and tack, how to ride, sportsmanship they have Ladies Side-saddle, Mouifl
and horsemanship. Along with horsemanship tive Costume, Park horse, and Fori»
comes the ability to make friends and work ving. Appaloosa shows also have col
with others.
classes.
Shows are times of excitement even for
Meal time is a time together antfl
the experienced showman. People are gather­ usually about horses and the last horse!
I
ed together to watch, show and have fun or the one coming up.
with friends.
Many horse shows also have whatm
The classes at the show usually include call an Exhibitors party. The club™
Showmanship (the ability of the handler to sponsoring the show usually suppl
show the horse), halter classes (the horse's food and entertainment.
conformation), Western Pleasure (the way
Horses and horse shows are lots™
the horse performs with western tack on), according to Jonelle Ward, a local 4-HhM
I
Western Equitation (the rider's ability), En­ person.
glish Pleasure and Equitation and trail horse
"It's a lot of hard work butagreffl
classes.
ward of joy and self-satisfaction,"said!
1
I
The beach is covered with towels, ice
chests, water skis, beer and coke bottles,
and grocery sacks full of snacks. In the
distance is the sound of someone's voice
yelling "hit it".
It is summer and water skiing time: the
great cooler of the summer heat. The scene
described would be common at most lakes
and rivers where people are allowed to water
ski. Water skiing is a favorite pastime of
many Oregonians.
In order to water ski you should know
how to swim or at least dog paddle.
The equipment you need are water skis,
ski belt or vest, rope and a boat.
"Ski belts and ski vests are better than
life jackets. Jackets are designed to help
keep your chin up, therefore making it very
difficult to ski. Ski belts are not always
safe because they can break on impact.
They are not coast guard approved either,"
said. Steve Ward, a long time skier.
"The speed of the boat depends on the
type of engine, type of prop, size of person
and if they are on double or single skis," said
Jeanne Ward, who has been skiing since
1963.
The driver and skier must have a set fl
hand signals to follow. Also a good (M
Water-skiing
tips
for
amateurs
keeps the skier on his side of the boat»
times, so he can watch him at all times. li
helps to prevent accidents.
Everyone starts out on doubles M
skis) then, when they have mastered™
they can go to the single ski.
I
Besides just following the boattheslffl
can "jump the wake". This is when gi
jump the wave behind the boat. You M
also do cutting or going side to side. 1
After mastering the single ski you cm
on to trick skis. Trick skis have no fins«
short and shaped like a banana, accoB
to Steve. With trick skis you can
ways and turn completely around. ? :
"If the water is smooth, like glass, I
can go barefoot skiing. You start off oj
Shasta in California. They said Northfork
was good but cold and Prineville Reservoir
is alright.
Another important thing to skiing is the
boat and the driver.
single then drop your ski," said Jeenfl
Ward.
1
You can expect to fall a lot if yousB
helps if you're limber and agile.
I
The Wards' favorite place to go ski j
is on the Columbia River and downon»