SANDPOINT — It will be all about 4-H and horses at the Bonner County Fairgrounds this weekend as the youngsters, their four-legged friends and club leaders get together for the annual 4-H horse show.

The show begins today and continues through Monday. Events start at 8:30 a.m. today, 8 a.m. Sunday and at 9 a.m. on Monday.

The annual event gives the youngsters a chance to put everything they’ve learned over the year into practice, with events ranging from fitting and showing to trail riding to gymkhana.

Today, the events center around fitting and showing, with several different styles of riding followed by a trail class in the afternoon. Sunday, equitation — how well the 4-H’ers ride on a technical level — will be among the featured events. Both western and English riding will be judged. Following will be English jumping and horsemanship pattern classes. On Monday, it’s the 4-H gymkhana – an equestrian event consisting of five different speed pattern racing and timed events, including pole and barrel racing.

About 70-80 young 4-H horsemen and horsewomen are expected to take part in the annual event.

“The show is the culmination of what most of the kids have been working on,” said 4-H leader Jody Russell. “While they’re not required to be at the show, it’s an event the kids look forward to. I love how kids encourage each other and work together, really helping each other the whole weekend.”

While the show — as well as the 4-H horse program — is a huge commitment in time, Russell said they are also a whole lot of fun.”

Involved in 4-H since a young age, as were her parents and grandparent, Russell said the program offers something for everyone regardless of their interests, whether it is horses, science, crafts, or cooking. The only limit to a project topic is what the 4-H’er can dream up. In fact, Russell said, if a youth comes up with a project idea that isn’t offered, if they can find an adult to mentor that project, they can make it into a project and learn all about it through 4-H.

“4-H offers so much for kids,” she said. “I believe wholeheartedly that it keeps kids out of trouble and they have a lot of fun.”

The community is invited to join the 4-H’ers and watch the fun. If they’d like to learn more about 4-H, there’s no shortage of folks who can either answer the question or point them in the direction of where they can get information.

For those who feel a bit hungry while at the fairgrounds, a 4-H food booth will be open.

There is no charge to attend any of the 4-H horse show events.

Caroline Lobsinger can be reached by email at clobsinger@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @CarolDailyBee.