As onlookers watched, riders of all ages trotted out before judges to see whose skills and equine presentation were a cut above the rest at the 67th Annual Marion 4th of July Horse Show.

"If you think about a horse in the wild, it's a herd animal," said Debbie Martin, who was on the event planning committee for Saturday's show. "So to take one down and tame it as an individual is... a lot."

Participants had the chance to showcase themselves and their horses in a wide variety of events. Different breeds, saddle types, rider skill levels, and rider ages all had their own event class, allowing virtually any horse and rider team to participate. Additionally, certain events are judged on different criteria. For instance, "equitation" events are based more on the rider's skill than the horse's behavior.

Many riders compete in several classes, explained Martin, often to give experience to a horse that may be new to the show circuit.

"If you look at say, this horse," she said, gesturing to a horse who was looking at the crowd quizzically. "You can tell he's a little curious. [His owners] probably put him out there to get him a little more used to the show environment."

Martin says that, like many others at the show, the event is a tradition for her and her family.

"I've shown at this show, my daughters have shown at this show, my friends show at this show," she said. "So that's why I keep coming. I want to keep the tradition of the Marion Horse Show going."

Lillian Tigano, 8, has been riding since she was four.

"I like to spend time with my friends on horses, because it's fun," she said. According to Lillian, riding is rarely anything but fun.

"Sometimes it's scary when I have to do a circle or a trot, but not really," she said.

"It's a nice time," said Jill Tigano, Lillian's mother. "It's a nice show, and I'm glad they were able to have it today."