DAYTON–Four young and energetic equestrians will represent Dayton Days-Columbia County Fair Association at its Jackpot Rodeo and when the Saturday, May 29 parade starts down Main Street. All are members of a 4-H horse club which has been sidelined during the COVID-19 shutdown, yet they have remained engaged with riding and learning more about horses, equestrianship and life in the saddle until their 4-H activities can officially resume.

They are Tayla King, Hannah Peralez, Jemma Anderson and Mikayla Close-John, and they'll ride and carry banners in the Dayton Days-Columbia County Fair Association Parade, courtesy of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce.

King is the 14-year-old daughter of Paul and Tressa Buman of Dayton. She is an 8th grader at Starbuck school who started riding at age 2.

King, 2021 president of the Walla Walla Wagonettes, rides a 14-year-old Palomino named Bug, and will be carrying the American flag in parades and drills. "She really is a sweet horse," King, who has been riding since age 2, says. "We use her to help beginners learn how to ride."

At a recent jackpot rodeo in Burbank, King and the Wagonettes were in the top five during the clover event.

"I appreciate the opportunity to be able to help represent Dayton days this year," she says, "and handing out awards during the rodeos. I am excited to meet the winners of each event."

King's plans are to become a firefighter and EMT just like her big sister.

Hannah Peralez is the 12-year-old daughter of Anthony Peralez of Dayton and Juli Gleason of Waitsburg.

She is also in Wagonettes, riding her red Quarterhorse Que weekly on Sunday. "I also show my horse at the Dayton [Columbia County] Fair," she said. "Que has helped me through so much these past years such as winning buckles, having fun and, overall, she has taught me not every run, every practice and every ride in the fields is going to be perfect, but, in the end, hard work sure pays off. I am going on three years with this mare. She may look tiny but she sure is mighty."

Peralez appreciates the opportunity to represent the community as a Dayton Days Representative. "I think being a Dayton representative is going to be a great experience for my horse and my friends as well," Peralez said. "I am very excited for meeting new people and making new friends."

She wants to apply to a number of local universities and colleges and has her sights set on becoming a journeyman electrician or veterinarian.

Jemma Anderson, 11, is the daughter of Kyle and Anndria Anderson of Dayton.

She has been riding about five years and her horse, Molly, is a15-year-old brown Quarterhorse. "She is the first horse I have ever taken to a rodeo," Anderson says. "She has helped me win multiple ribbons and awards in events such as gaming, trail, English and Western pleasure.

Anderson is confident in her equestrian skills and knowledge of handling her horse. "I think this will be a great opportunity for my friends and I," Anderson said.

"Aside from riding, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family and friends," she said.

Mikayla Close-John, is the 11-year-old daughter of Brandon John and Adrian Close of Dayton, and has been involved with horses for as long as she can remember.

Close-John rides a 16-year-old Thoroughbred named Moon who is almost 17 hands high.

She is looking forward to representing Dayton Days. "This would be a great way to meet new friends," she believes.

The opportunity to gain new experiences is also one of Close-John's goals. "I think this would be a good experience for him and I both," she said. "He also would not do anything to purposely hurt anyone. He is like a little puppy but just forget the little part. He also loves to go so he would be great at this kind of stuff.

"He is so sweet and loves other horses," Close-John continued. "He may be big but is a big lover with all his beauty he has helped me win top gelding and other ribbons like trail."