DONNELLSON — First-time fair exhibitor Jessa Hawk is already making a name for herself in the horse arena at the Lee County Fair, competing in an ambitious ten classes during this year’s horse show. With her horse Poncho at her side and a bright smile on her face, Jessa shared her excitement and hard work in an interview Wednesday morning.
Of the ten classes she’s registered for, Jessa had completed three at the time of the interview — Western Pleasure, Western Walk-Trot, and Pony Halter.
When asked how her performances had gone so far, she beamed. “Pretty good,” she said. “Poncho’s done a good job for me.”
This marks Jessa’s first time showing horses at the Lee County Fair, but horses aren’t her only focus this week. Jessa is also showing pigs and rabbits, proving her dedication to a full 4-H experience. Of the two, rabbits seemed to be her favorite. “Yes,” she said with a grin when asked if they were fun. But keeping up with her animals takes effort. “There’s a lot of chores,” she said, especially with pigs — “a lot of dirty work.”
Fortunately, she has help. “Mom and Dad,” she said when asked who supports her with all the responsibilities.
Her mother, Tiffany Hawk, has a long history with horses and proudly supports Jessa’s participation. “We barrel raced all year long,” she said. “I’ve been into horses my whole life. So her whole life, she has also been into horses.”
The fair continues through the weekend, and Jessa’s next big moment is the pig show, scheduled for Friday. With her hard work and Poncho’s steady pace, Jessa Hawk is sure to make more memories — and maybe bring home some ribbons too.