Courtesy of Julie Grimes

Caitlin Schoemmell and Alia Fagerburg recently competed at the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships in Clemson, S.C. The two represented Classic Equestrians 4-H, led by Gaynor Hay and Andrea Gerhard. The 4-H club meets at GaDa Dream Stables. The girls were among only 50 Virginians competing against 4-H members from 13 states. Caitlin and Alia were the only two entries from any Chesterfield County 4-H groups.  The championships were held July 28-Aug. 1 on the campus of Clemson University.

Caitlin, 15, riding Forever My Beau, is the daughter of Elizabeth Prillaman. She is a sophomore at L.C. Bird High School.

Alia, 13, riding Fancy Pants, is the daughter of Julie Grimes and Mark Fagerburg. She is an eighth-grader at Robious Middle School. Alia earned a sixth-place ribbon against 37 other riders in the Pony Working Hunter class.

Eighteen Virginia 4-H’ers received ribbons during the championships, which included both western and English events. Both girls, along with four other Chesterfield Classic Equestrians 4-H members, will be competing next month at the state 4-H Horse Show at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington.

Traveling to the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships for Chesterfield Classic Equestrians 4-H were (first row left to right) Sophia Mower, Alia Fagerburg and Andrea Gerhard and second row Mark Fagerburg, Elizabeth Prillaman, Caitlin Schoemmel,  Julie Grimes, Gaynor Hay and Paul Baker.| courtesy photo by Mark Fagerburg