Grangers win big at fair

Rainbow Valley Grange was well represented at the Del Mar Fair by its equestrian team. This was the team’s second year, and leader Bev Sosin’s first year with them, at the fair. Competitors included Junior Grange members and their horses: Sea Jay Bates and “Shorty,” Kayln Beach and “Sunset,” Lauren Gilbert and “Falana,” Aspen Komski and “Kit,” Jenna Lathrop and “Riley” and Alayna Pettigrew on “J.R.” Youth members were Jordan Bretsch and “Jack,” Nick Lloyd and “Julius,” Derek Majewski and “Joey,” Aeli McClellan and “Pandor” and Carrin Strain and “Bittegraa.”

There was a great family atmosphere and team effort, with members supporting one another in daily activities and cheering each other on in the show ring.

The Grange team showed very well, winning numerous awards with some of the following highlights: Aspen Komski won the Championship in a large showmanship class and won first in Walk/Jog Equitation and first in Walk/Jog Pleasure, Jordan Bretsch was Champion in Bareback Equitation, Kayln Beach and Lauren Gilbert were Champions in their respective Gymkhana classes, Jenna Lathrop was first in Novice Showmanship and first in Walk/Trot Equitation and Alayna Pettigrew was first in Walk/Trot Pleasure.

Team leader Sosin was impressed and proud of the team’s conduct both in the show arena as well as in the care they gave to their horses. She would also like to recognize members Aeli McClellan with “Pandor” and Jordan Bretsch with “Jack” as most improved horse and rider combinations. Most improved in equitation skill were riders Sea Jay Bates and Carrin Strain.

Grange members also did well in the “Bred & Fed” competition for market animals held on July 2. The animals in this show are all bred by and born to breeders based in San Diego County. In the Goats Junior division Jenna Lathrop came in first, Aspen Komski second and SeaJay Bates tenth, while in the Goats Senior division Missy Dunckel placed second and Sarah Fontana fifth. Sarah also took Reserve Champion with her Oberhasli Dairy Goat earlier in the fair.

Overall, Rainbow Valley Grange’s North County Grangers Fair Team performed well and had a great time at this year’s San Diego County Fair.