FOR SILVER RUN resident Renata Ramonda, horsing around has paid off big. Fourteen-year-old Renata, who has been showing horses since she was very young, has won the opportunity to attend two national events because of her talent.
On Wednesday, Renata will leave for Columbus, Ohio, where she will show in the 30th All American Quarter Horse Congress, the largest breed competition of its kind in the world.
Renata will be competing in the National Youth Team Tournament, representing Tri State Quarter Horse Corp., a division covering West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland.
To qualify, a rider must have completed a community service project, maintained a high grade point average, held a fund-raiser and accumulated the highest points (at least 10) in at least one of the following areas: Western Showmanship, Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, Reining or Barrels.
Renata qualified to compete in two areas: Western Horsemanship with her western quarter horse, Ima Better Bailey, and in Hunter Under Saddle, with her English quarter horse, SS Leo Bar Two.
For her fund-raiser, Renata sold ads and collected donations for the auction to be held in Ohio.
"Southern States [cooperative] of Carroll County is one of the ones who has been very generous," said Renata's mother, De Ramonda Pruett.
At the All American Quarter Horse Congress, more than 8,000 horses from 48 states, Australia, Germany, Mexico and Canada will compete in 184 events for $2 million in cash and prizes. All competitors will receive a belt buckle.
Renata's talents are not limited to horses.
Her singing has also gained attention, and she is the understudy to sing the national anthem at the Quarter Horse Congress.
"If the person who is scheduled to sing gets sick, Renata will be singing," her mother said.
Renata acknowledges that the trip to isn't all fun and games.
"It's a lot of work, too," she said. "Trying to get the horse ready is the hardest part. The head has to be set perfect, they have to be round, [collected], and together. Everything has to be perfect.
"I'll miss a week from school," Renata said.
She is a sophomore at Westminster High School. "That's a lot of work to catch up, but it's worth it."
Renata will have a few weeks to catch her breath before she is off again, this time to Memphis, Tenn., to attend the National 4-H Congress, an honor she won through her horse project in 4-H.
That weeklong trip will take place during the fall break from school, from Nov. 29 to Dec. 3.
While in Memphis, Renata will attend seminars called: Educational Commitment and Achievement, Ethics, Character Counts, Goal-Setting and Time Management, Body Language, Pride Changed the World, Diversity, Career Preparation-Youth Solutions, Civil and Social Responsibility, Community Service, and more.
Sightseeing and meeting and learning from other 4-H'ers is also an important part of the trip.
Two dances will be held during the week, and day trips will be offered, including visits to St. Jude Hospital, Graceland, the Civil Rights Museum and a river-boat cruise.
A trip is planned to Beale Street, known for its blues and jazz clubs.
Renata said she does not know where horses will lead her.
"I haven't decided yet what I want to do [as a career]," she said. "I'll probably major in music at college and minor in an agricultural science, maybe equine science."
Fall Festival
St. Mary's United Church of Christ in Silver Run will hold its second annual community Fall Festival from 4 p.m. to 6: 30 p.m. Oct. 26.
The festival includes make-and-take crafts, games, hayrides, a petting zoo and food.
Information: 359-7700 or 346-7881.
Pub Date: 10/14/96
