The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

While the Wahkiakum Fair has wrapped up; one local teen finds herself preparing for the “Big Show,” the Washington State Fair. Sophie Forsberg-Crotty, a Cathlamet 4-H member with the Puget Island Equestrians, has qualified at the State level in every event she entered. Forsberg-Crotty took home a total of 12 Champion titles during the two days of horse competition. She is the 2015 Intermediate Champion of Equine Showmanship, Western and Bareback Equitation, English and Western Discipline Rail, Trail Course, and all gaming events to include Texas Barrels, Two Barrel Flags, International Flags, Pole Key, Poles, and Idaho Figure Eight. Forsberg-Crotty also won a blue ribbon in English Equitation, as well as for her 4H record book and poster.

Getting her start with K-N-K Kalvary out of Skamokawa, she and her mother, Renee Forsberg, decided to begin a small family 4-H group that would allow Forsberg-Crotty to put more focus on her horse riding and training at a higher skill level. She spends at least three days per week at the fairgrounds arena performing groundwork and training with her horses. The family attributes the depth of Forsberg-Crotty’s knowledge and ability to her start with 4-H Leader, Kay Walters. “Kay helped me learn that good horsemanship starts with work. Showing horses is not all about riding,” said Forsberg-Crotty.

Forsberg-Crotty also placed 2nd in her age division at the Silver Buckle Series this past Saturday. At age 13, she outscored about 10 other participants ranging in age from 14 to 19 years. Besides being a stand out equestrian, Forsberg-Crotty is an accomplished competitive swimmer and talented singer. She has competed at the USA Swimming Age Group State Swimming Finals and in 2014 ranked 7th and 8th fastest youth in her age group in both the 100 and 200 breaststrokes respectively. She has also competed in several talent shows earning prizes and awards to include 2nd Place Overall in the Wahkiakum Talent Show held in April of this year.

When asked what her favorite aspect of riding was, Forsberg-Crotty commented, “Gaming for sure. I am an adrenaline junky. I love the rush of going fast. Both Maddie and I love the challenge of trying to improve our times. Honestly though, there isn’t much about horse riding and showing that I don’t like.”

The Washington State Fair runs September 11-27. The intermediate 4-H horse show is divided into two divisions. Intermediate Performance dates are September 21-24, 2015 and Intermediate Western Games dates are September 24-27, 2015. Forsberg-Crotty has qualified and will compete in both divisions spending a week in Puyallup.