Horses Stay Cool As Thermometer, Curtains Rise At 121st Missouri State Fair

Exhibitors gather in the MFA Youth Livestock Arena before making their way into the neighboring Coliseum to compete in the showmanship contest. The 4-H and FFA equine contests kicked off competitions at the 121st Missouri State Fair on July 28th, 2023, nearly two weeks prior to the official start of the fair. (Photo by Kyle Hill, Alpha Ag Network)

Temperatures are expected to reach 102°F on Friday on the fairgrounds in Sedalia, where the first competitions at the 121st Missouri State Fair are underway. 4-H and FFA members are keeping their horses cool in the stalls, in-between their several competitions taking place through Sunday. Emma Wilson of Callaway County explains how she’s keeping her horse cool.

Central MO Info · 23 0728 Emma Wilson on how her horse is handling the triple-digit heat

Others are turning to additional nutrients, including Allee Prescott of Daviess County.

Central MO Info · 23 0728 Allee Prescott on how her horses are handling the triple-digit heat

Prescott is showing three horses at this weekend’s contests, including a new contest Saturday afternoon called Western Horsemanship Challenge.

Central MO Info · 23 0728 Allee Prescott on preparing for the new Western Horsemanship Challenge

As for Wilson, she and her English horse Slick competed in showmanship Friday morning and will have three more contests this weekend.

Central MO Info · 23 0728 Emma Wilson on her upcoming horse contests

4-H and FFA Equine contests will take place in the Mathewson Exhibition Center and State Fair Coliseum, with the trail classes competing in the Donnelly Arena. The 121st Missouri State Fair officially begins August 10th, with contests including market poultry starting Tuesday, August 8th.