Thermopolis twins sweep intermediate showmanship

THERMOPOLIS - The Adams twins have been in Hot Springs County 4-H for three years, working on swine projects the first two years and this year they added horses to their 4-H project list.

On Saturday, their hard work paid off with their horse project as Zoe Adams captured grand champion intermediate showman and sister Arin was reserve champion during the Hot Springs County Fair Horse Show in Thermopolis.

The sisters are the daughters of Tate and Shawnda Adams of Thermopolis. Shawnda, who was born and raised in Thermopolis, said the family moved back to her home town about 14 years ago.

She said the girls, who will enter seventh grade this fall, got interested in 4-H and doing a swine project, mainly because "we raise pigs."

This year, she said, they asked to add horses.

"They've always loved horses," Shawnda Adams said.

So with the help of their uncle, Luke Mead, and grandfather John Mead, they began working with horses three times a week in preparation for fair.

Zoe showed the horse that she and Arin own together, Holly. Arin used one of her Uncle Luke's horses, Bucky.

Along with family help, they also had the help of three 4-H leaders, Billi Jo Norsworthy, Sadie Eckley and Christian Eagles.

Shawnda Adams added, "We want to give all the praise and glory to the Lord; without Him we wouldn't accomplish anything."

As for the sisters, there's no sibling rivalry in competing against each other at the horse and swine show. Arin said, "We enjoy competing together," noting that they don't always compete against each other like they do at fair.

Zoe Adams agreed, stating that there is no sibling rivalry at home and during fair, she enjoys competing against everyone.

"We both think our horses are the best and we like showing the judge that our horses are the best," Arin Adams said.

Zoe Adams said that she and Holly the horse make a "really good team. I hope we can be a better team in the future."

As for earning grand champion showman in her first year, Zoe said, "I was very blessed and I was really surprised I would actually get grand champion. I'm proud of my horse because she did really good." She added that "Lord willing" she will compete in the horse show at next year's fair.

Arin Adams said she was happy about earning reserve champion showman. "I was really happy and proud of my horse and how we did."

Bucky and Arin combined to also earn grand champion gelding in the conformation class.

Arin hopes to continue participating in the horse and swine show in future years. She said she enjoys the horse show for the opportunity to get to know people and to visit. For her swine project, "It's always great when you get to sell your pig; you know all your hard work has paid off."

Zoe said she may add baking as a 4-H project next year but is not sure.

She said she does like the pig projects because it is an opportunity to "raise the pig as a baby and watch it grow to be a really big pig and sell it for a good price."

As for the horse show, "I have always loved horses and was really happy when our Mom let us show in the horse show."

As for showing together at the county fair, Zoe said, "It is a good family time. We have a lot of fun together."

Arin added, It's also good family time to get together with our uncle and grandfather who have supported us."

The Adams' sisters will compete Thursday morning in their third straight swine show. Showing begins at 8 a.m. at the Hot Springs County Fairgrounds.