Ribbons & royalty: at-risk girls taste the thrill of success at the county fair

At last year’s Minidoka County Fair, Ranch Campus kids really brought home the 4-H ribbons, earning 5 “District Blues” in the horse division, 15 other blue ribbons and 41 red ribbons, among others. Two residents also tried out for Minidoka County Rodeo Queen, one for queen and the younger for princess.

First, each had to give a speech in front of the whole crowd, and our girls nailed it. Next came the horsemanship test. Our princess contestant had never been on a horse before coming to IYR, and here she was, competing against kids who had been riding all their lives. She made first runner-up!

IYR’s queen contestant achieved an even greater honor: being chosen Miss Congeniality by the other contestants.

You should have seen their glowing faces as each girl rode her victory lap around the arena, the stands filled with cheering people—an experience neither will ever forget.

That’s what you make possible when you donate to the Idaho Youth Ranch—the thrill of success for kids who have never before experienced believing in themselves. That’s how promising futures begin!

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