MARION — One hundred riders came to Washburn Park on Sunday, July 2 to strut their stuff for the 76th annual Horse Show. 

Participants competed in a variety of classes including English and Western style riding and lead line classes for younger riders. 

In English style classes, riders hold the reins using both hands and in Western style they only use one hand. 

According to Horse show committee president Jeff Demoura, the traditional Fourth of July event initially began as a way to raise funds for the town fireworks and serve as a gathering for the equestrian community. 

“I think for a lot of the riders, there are bigger shows they can go to, but these little history shows offer something different,” said Demoura.

One riding instructor and trainer, Michelle Cravenho, has been bringing her horses to the Marion Horse Show for over 20 years.

“It is a very family oriented event,” said Cravenho. “It is very inviting for new people and for kids, it’s very hospitable to newcomers.”

Cravenho described the relationship between a rider and their horse as an “emotional connection.”

Adriana Ptaszenski, agreed with Cravenho’s sentiment when it came to her relationship with her horse Prince.

“The more you spend time with a horse you build that emotional connection,” she said. “You don’t have to be on them, just patting them, brushing them and giving them love builds trust with them.”

Demoura explained that the Marion Horse Show community puts in a lot of work each year to “keep the tradition alive,” especially since Covid. 

In an effort to secure funds for next year’s event, Demoura said that the Horse Show Committee will be hosting a poker ride fundraiser at Myles Standish State Park in Plymouth on Sunday, September 24. 

Demoura said that during the poker event participants will receive poker cards during their ride and will make their best hand in order for a chance to win a horse trailer.