Brianna Carson and Mac get some tips from observer Debbie Ploof as they prepare for classes at the state 4-H Horse Championships being held this week at Calsonic Arena. Western and English styles will be shown and admission is free. (T-G Photo by Mary Reeves) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

From junior high to senior high, from Memphis to Knoxville, they are descending upon Calsonic Arena this weekend. The Tennessee State 4-H Horse Championships are taking place today through Saturday and enthusiasts of all breeds and disciplines can find something they like at the show -- and it's all free.

"4-H shows are different from breed shows," said Brianna Carson of Murfreesboro, here to show her American paint horse, Mac. "You don't have to show your registration papers -- your horse doesn't even have to be registered."

The 4-H championships showcase skills the students have learned and polished over the year, and the participants have to qualify in earlier shows.

"This is my seventh show," said Malorie Paine, a rising senior from Arlington, near Memphis. As does Brianna, she shows Western pleasure and showmanship -- but she also shows in the spotted division and in saddle/racking horse classes. She and her sister, Carlie, have eight horses between them of differing styles. At the 4-H show, they get to use all of them.

Today will feature the Western classes. Beginning at 8 a.m., the classes include Western Show, Junior Western Horsemanship, Junior High Western Showmanship and Senior Western Showmanship. They will be followed by the Western halter classes. There will also be classes in ranch riding and ranch horsemanship.

On Thursday, barrel racers and pole benders will be flying through the arena in the morning and the calf-roping, breakaway roping and team roping will take place beginning at 4 p.m. Western trail classes will end the day's competition.

Spotted horse classes will be Thursday, as will the English saddle division, miniature horse classes, and dressage.

On Friday and Saturday, the classes will include those for hunters and the walking/racking division. There will be pleasure driving classes Friday.

Malorie Payne has been working with her quarter horse, Admire the Lady, since the mare was only 2 and Malorie was only 8. She said 4-H has been a big help. Malorie will be showing in the Western, spotted and saddle/racking horse divisions. (T-G Photo by Mary Reeves) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

There is another difference between the 4-H shows and regular breed shows. Progress matters more than prizes.

"It doesn't matter if you win or lose," said Malorie. "It's that you gave your best and you know you gave your best."

Sportsmanship is one of the most important aspects of horsemanship 4-H teaches, said Tony Brasher, the volunteer leader for the team from Henderson County, as well as the father of one of the contestants, Hannah. "It teaches them how to win -- and how to lose."

Hannah said she has learned a lot about horses from her 4-H classes and workshops.

"We learn how to judge horses," she said. The class in judging was held Tuesday.

"Learning how to judge will help her out later," said her father, who added the skills come in handy beyond the show ring, when she might be looking for a new horse herself.

Brianna said the classes have helped her learn about nutrition and getting and keeping her horse healthy. All of the young riders said making new friends across the state was a definite plus.

Malorie grew up around horses and began training her own Quarter horse, Admire the Lady, when the mare was only 2 -- and Malorie was only 8. Even surrounded by equine knowledge and experience as she has been, she has learned valuable lessons from the 4-H program.

"The experience you learn, you can take with you for a lifetime," she said, "The lessons you learn aren't always in the arena, but while you're out of it.

"You may ride all of the time, but you still have to work hard to get all you want out of the shows."