More than a dozen youth equestrians from Deschutes County have qualified for the 2007 State 4-H Horse Fair. The event draws qualifying riders from across the state who compete for top honors in classes ranging from English and Western equitation to gaming and dressage.

State 4-H competition began Thursday at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem and will continue through Tuesday. Riders advancing to the state horse fair do so after finishing among the top riders at the county 4-H level.

Fifteen youth riders (in grades 7 through 12) from Deschutes County have qualified to compete at this week’s state show in 45 events. The riders include Kymala Lovisone, Brandice Durfee, Anna Shoffner, Hillary Holeman, Laurie MacWhorter, Sarah MacWhorter, Michelle Gant, Courtney George and Kayla Gregory, all of Bend. Other local qualifiers are Shelby Ross of Sisters, Kendra Hodgson of Redmond, Ashley Kahler of Silver Lake, Katie Linton of Lakeview, Emily Pickering of La Pine, and Callie Totten of Terrebonne.