Photo by Rebecca Long Chaney Serafina Bailey rides Bart in the 4-H Western Horse and Pony Show on Sunday at The Great Frederick Fair. Serafina’s helpers are Rose Bartz, center, and leadsman Dave Phoebus.

Frederick County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program participants competed for the fourth year in their own classes during the show.

"It's an amazing and wonderful opportunity for these kids to participate in these classes for disabled kids," said Maria Bailey of Frederick , mother of Serafina, a therapeutic riding program participant. "The kids and the volunteers do wonderful work in the program."

Serafina, 8, has been in the program for two years; this was her first fair competition. She rode a horse named Bart in the on-lead class with two helpers -- a side walker to steady her and a person who led Bart for the entire class.

The show also had an off-lead class for more experienced riders in the program.

"Serafina is bright and articulate," said Rose Bartz of New Market , her side walker. "She had a lot to say and she rode very, very well."

Serafina, who has autism, enjoys therapeutic riding, her mother said. "She's in the program because she has a disability. This was so exciting today to see (her) participate and win."

The North Frederick Elementary second-grader won first place in her class. "Look Mom, my first trophy!" she shouted from the arena.

Participants were judged at a walk and a trot, and had to maneuver through orange construction cones. "I had to go in a curvy line," Serafina said. "Bart was a good boy."

Serafina's mother wants to see more community support for the program. "This is a great opportunity for kids and a wonderful outlet," she said.

The equine show ring, built four years ago, was first used in the 2004 fair when the therapeutic riding classes first participated, according to Cor Endlich, founder of the 4-H Therapeutic Show.

Endlich said he started the show with Doris Sabine and Mary Jo Howes. "Dan Braugher, who was the Frederick County Extension Agent at the time, dared us to do it."

Endlich was president of the Frederick County 4-H Horse and Pony Club in 2004 and had seen how good the therapeutic riding program was for youngsters.

"The ring was specifically built for the therapeutic riding program, but now it's the official equine ring here on the fairgrounds," he said.

Endlich and his wife, Debbie, have worked with the 4-H riding program for 24 years.

Debbie is the therapeutic riding program's president and works with participants at Silverado Farm in Lewistown, the program's home.

The program has 74 children and adults enrolled, she said, with seven-week free sessions in the spring and fall.

Endlich said the program uses 20 donated horses, several of which appeared in Sunday's show.

Like all the participants, Serafina was all smiles after her turn in the ring.

"It's my first prize and it feels good," she said. "I love horses and I love winning a first prize."