Competition was keen in the show with fractions of a second separating competitors.

The Golden Rose Riders 4-H Club, which provided equine therapy to children with special needs at Golden Rose Stables, LLC, rural New Ulm earlier this summer, dominated the show.

Club member Andrew Hellendrung, 16, was in the thick of the competition. He’s been riding horses since age three and talked about 4-H friendships and bonding.

“I’ve made some real close friendships with people in 4-H through the years, including my friend Houston Jensen,” Hellendrung said. “Plus there’s the bond between riders and horses. It’s something you don’t see every day.”

Hellendrung said his favorite horse show events include the jumping figure eight and barrel racing.

“It’s exhilarating. You need fast reaction time and reflexes,” he added.

Besides 4-H, Hellendrung is active in a number of New Ulm High School teams including trapshooting and football besides fishing and hunting.

“All those things are good stuff,” he said.

Chloe Groe of Blue Earth belongs to the Golden Rose Riders too and said she enjoys the horse show competition.

“I feel very close and comfortable with all the people here,” said she during the show. “I’ve been riding horses just about all my life.”

She’s competed at the state fair horse show several times, placing in the top 10 finishers.

“I’m very thankful to be able to be in 4-H and show my horses in Brown County,” said Groe. “I’m thankful to my parents for supporting me and allowing me to do this.”

Groe said she’s also active in basketball and track at Blue Earth Area High School.

The horse show included challenged rider events that Ellen Windschitl of Sleepy Eye competed in.

“I like being with horses. It’s fun,” said Windschitl.

Horseback riding helps children with their posture, balance, and flexibility, according to therapists.

Therapeutic horseback riding opportunities are offered to children and adults with disabilities, while promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being.

In addition, horseback riding benefits include burning calories, a form of isometric fitness for core strengthening, relieving stress and anxiety, boosting socialization and coordination.

Show results will be published after they are received.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com