WALTON - The 137th annual Delaware County Fair brought together equestrians from across the region for a display of skill and tradition on Sunday, Aug. 12. The open horse show features a variety of classes, including open driving, saddle seat, and miniature horse events, culminating in the crowning of grand and reserve champions.
Horse entries doubled from last year. In 2023 there were 19 horses entered in competition throughout the day. This year 36 were horses entered.
Among the competitors was Tom Freshette of Chenango Forks, who has been showing horses for 17 years, taking to the ring with his 20-year-old Haflinger mare, Snack, in pony driving classes.
Freshette credits their frequent practice for keeping the mare in top form.
“The more you drive, the better you get,” he said, as they prepared for their next event — a pleasure course where the judge evaluates the horse’s movement and the driver’s skill.
In the pleasure course, competitors navigate the ring at varying gaits — two trots and a walk, without cantering. Later in the day, they faced a timed obstacle course, testing both horse and driver’s agility and coordination.
Despite Snack’s age, her experience shone through. Freshette competed in a rear-entry road cart also known as a “Long Island Cart,” because of where they were manufactured, he said. The cart, he said, is a “sporting carriage.”
For Freshette, the Delaware County Fair stands out as a “real” fair, one that remains true to its agricultural roots.
Day-end Champions
• Junior Driving Grand Champion: Ellie Grace, Bloomville
• Mini Grand Champion: Ellie Grace, Bloomville with Spice; Reserve Champion Tierney Dyskrta, Sidney Center with Apache Thunder
• Junior Mini Champion: Ellie Grace, Bloomville with Spice; Reserve Champion: Ellie Grace, Bloomville with Sugar
• Children Grand Champion: Donovan Stanton, Sidney Center with Just By Chance; Reserve Champion: Jersey Forrest with Cadence, Walton
• Hunt Seat Champion: Sally Harkin, Delhi with DTA Touch of Class; Reserve Champion: Sheree Noviello with Boogie Knights, Delhi
• Walk/Trot Hunt Seat Champion: Angelina Noviello with Boogie Knights, Delhi; Reserve Champion: Paige Clark with Tickle, Delhi
• Saddle Seat Champion: Corrie Hine with Cocktails In Vegas, Harpursville
• Saddle Seat 17 and Under Champion: Corrine Hine with Cocktails in Vegas, Harpursville; Reserve Champion Olivia Morton with DTA Touch of Flash, Delhi
• Driving Pony Champion: Ellie Grace with Sugar, Bloomville; Reserve Champion: Carol Gutliph with Amazy Grace, Delhi
• Driving Horse Champion: Carol Gutliph with Here Comes the Sun, Delhi.
