‘Horses on the Rise’ at the Alpena County Fairgrounds

This weekend at the Alpena County Fairgrounds was Horses on the Rise, a horse show that takes place a few times a year. Riders and their horses were on display, showing off all the hard work they’ve put in for the show.

“I’m very excited. This is what we look forward to all summer, just to get out of school and be able to jump into it, it’s very rewarding,” said Horse Rider Hunter Ballor.

There were entry fees for the different categories of competition, and all proceeds go towards Pine Grove Equestrian’s 4H Club.

Grant Gettel has been judging horse competitions for 50 years and has visited the northeast Michigan area eight times in that time period.

“I’m glad to see more and more kids get involved,” he said. “It’s a good activity for them, it gives them something to do, especially in the summertime, and if they really get good at it, most of them will find a place to ride in the winter.”

People came out to watch the different shows, and for the riders, that can cause a whole set of different emotions.

“The adrenaline gets running and once you’re in the ring, it kind of just takes over, and you kind of just put up with it and you do what you got to do,” said Ballor.

The biggest takeaway and most appealing draw of the horse show was the bond the riders form with their horses.

“She knows something’s wrong with me before I know something’s wrong with me honestly,” said Ballor about her horse, Cal. “She’s one of my best friends, to be honest.”

Horses on the rise will be back at the Alpena County Fairgrounds in July.