Jul 22, 2007 - 04:04:00 CDT
For Tabitha Unhjem, of Crosby, the North Dakota State Fair isn't about carnival rides and fair food. It's about concentration, poise and competition.For the second time, Unhjem is competing in the State Fair quarter horse showing. So far, she and her 8-year-old mare, Zippo Hope Deeluck, have taken several ribbons.
The Quarter Horse Show is just one of the agricultural attractions at this year's fair, which includes about 21,000 FFA exhibits and more than 11,000 4-H exhibits.
"That's the backbone of the fair, the agriculture exhibits -and none better than the 4-H and FFA programs," fair manager Bob Wagoner said. "Both programs are extremely strong in North Dakota."Winners of the different county fair (competitions) all move up to the State Fair," he said. "So, it's really the best of the best of those programs here at the fair."
Unhjem, 18, will be at the fair until Wednesday, competing in 4-H and FFA horse shows.
"She keeps a cool head," Unhjem's mother, Julie, said. "She knows what she wants."
"I love horses," Tabitha Unhjem said. "I've been around them since I was a little kid. Someday, I hope to have my own stable where I train horses."
In the fall, Unhjem plans to attend National American University in Rapid City, S.D., where she will major in business, with an emphasis in equine management.
Another student of equine management, 25-year-old Jennifer Kadrmas, of Bismarck, is offering equine massages to fatigued State Fair show horses.
She has been trained to do four types of massage, including Swedish massage and impulse therapy.
"Deep tissue massage relaxes the horse, and they really lean into you," Kadrmas said.
Equine massage is a common practice in southern states, and she believes it will become popular in North Dakota, as well.
"I'm already seeing a lot of interest in it, so it's just a matter of time before people have this as a daily preventive medicine," she said.
Depending on how stiff the horse is, a whole body massage can take three hours.
"They love it when you rub their ears," Kadrmas said. "It always helps a horse that's feeling wild and stressed out."
Kadrmas has several clients in the Bismarck-Mandan area. She charges $60 for a whole body equine massage. To contact Kadrmas, call 527-2322.
The North Dakota State Fair runs through July 28. Fair gates open at 8 a.m., and the carnival rides start at 1 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on the weekends. For more information, visit www.ndstatefair.com.
(Reach reporter Alyssa Schafer at 250-8264 or alyssa.schafer@;bismarcktribune.com.)
Comments are reviewed for taste, tone and language before posting.
Some comments may be used in the Tribune's print edition.
We value and respect your privacy, but The Bismarck Tribune might
disclose certain information to governmental entities if served with subpoena.