Youth bond with their horses during Berrien County Youth Fair exhibitions

Published 9:30 am Tuesday, August 14, 2018

By Kelsey Hammon

BERRIEN SPRINGS — Every year, youth from across southwest Michigan show off their skills working with animals through multiple exhibitions that take place at the Berrien County Youth Fair. The fair kicked off late last week and will continue throughout this week with multiple animal showings and events scheduled to take place.

While youth who compete will not deny they love to claim a new trophy or ribbon, oftentimes the competition serves as a further opportunity to bond with their animal.

This was the case Monday for 7-year-old Tanner Cornelius, of Buchanan. Though Cornelius’ horse, Cian, towers above him, Cornelius seamlessly guided the animal through a dusty arena. He showed off these horsemanship skills during the registered and non-registered hunt seat gelding class.

In the weeks leading up to the fair, Cornelius worked with his horse three times a week. On Monday, his hard work paid off and he was awarded third place. Holding the bright yellow ribbon following the competition, Cornelius said it felt “good” to achieve the win.

“I have never got a third-place ribbon,” he said.

Cornelius described his horse, Cian, as “nice.” He said it took a lot of practice to achieve the win. Cornelius has been showing horses at the fair for the past three years. He is part of the Al-Bar 4-H Club, where he also works with horse. The 7-year-old also knows how to ride a horse.

Al-Bar Club leader Pam McCalebb described Cian as an ideal horse for Cornelius to show.

“He is a puppy dog,” McCalebb said. “He is great with kids.”

Cornelius’ mom, Jackie Bonardi, said she had seen her son put in the work.

“You got to get to know the horse and they have got to get to know you and practice your showmanship,” Bonardi said. “What I hope he gains is learning the discipline and learning to care for his horse.”

Niles’ Olivia Borst, 15, also showed her horse, Barbie, Monday at the Berrien County Youth Fair. Barbie, a 20-year-old quarter horse, is a veteran at performing at the fair. Her and Borst have claimed a number of wins, including four junior championship and one reserve title in 2015. This year, Borst won fourth place in hunt seat halter.

Borst has been showing horses at the Berrien County Youth Fair since she was 8 years old. For Borst, one of the best parts of exhibitions is getting to spend time with Barbie.

“I love my horse,” Borst said. “I just really like to ride and experience it. I also like winning – that’s fun.”

Like many at the Berrien County Youth Fair, showing animals is in her blood going back to her great-grandpa. Though, Borst said she did have to ask her dad to give her a horse.

Borst’s aunt Vicki Robards said she has seen Borst fine-tune her skills in showing animals in the years that she has been competing.

“They [Barbie and Borst] click,” Robards said. “She has just grown to be a fantastic horse woman. I am very proud of her.”

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