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Dangers are all too real in horse competition
By Brandy Lewis
GREENVILLE- Friday, August 16th, will be a day Graceland Harter will
remember for a long time. She was making her second Barrel run of the
day when her horse, going at full speed, decided to stop without
warning. Harter came off head first and tumbled two times head
over heals before coming to a stop. Her body laid motionless
except for a little leg movement. Advisors to her 4-H club,
Silver Hoofs, Mary Neil and Rob Elsner were the first to arrive at her
side. They maintained neck stabilization and she was rolled onto
her back. She was assessed for movement and then taken to Wayne
Emergency Room by Spirit EMS. Luckily, she walked away with
bruised ribs and a sprained collarbone along with a few other
bumps and bruises.
Her injuries could have been much more serious without the use of her
helmet. Harter states "her injuries would have included a concussion
without her helmet. We are taught in 4-H that you should always
wear a helmet. Even adults should wear a helmet. It is
recommended before I ride again to get a new helmet since this one had
been through such an intense accident"
Contesting can be a dangerous sport. Anytime your horse is racing
full speed preparing to make a tight turn, the possibility is there for
it to loose it's footing. Harter's advice for contesting "is to
be safe, don't push yourself and be uncomfortable. Go your own
speed until your comfortable."
Harter was back on her horse 'Skeeter' 24 hours after her
accident. She started just riding and the next morning started
contesting again. She participates in barrels, poles, keyhole,
dash for cash and speed control. Harter states " I do a little of
everything."
Harter is a first year member of Silver Hoofs 4-H club. She has
been in 4-H for three years. A 14 year old, who will be a
freshman at Ohio Virtual Academy this year. She is involved in
National Honor Society and We Are The Majority (which is a program for
teens against drugs and alcohol). Harter is a Darke County Junior
Fairboard member who represents horses. Her brother, Braxton, is
showing chickens at fair. Zoey, her sister takes prefair projects and
was a Junior Fair Queen Finalist. Harter's mom is 4-H alumni and dad is
FFA alumni.
Harter enjoys showing her horse in other areas of the arena such as
Ranch, Trail and English. This young leader in 4-H will be
someone to watch as her years in the program grow.
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