The eyes before the prize

It is unusually cool for the end of July, cloudy and overcast dulled by a light rain. It is also opening day for competition at the Cheyenne County Fair. Horses and riders wait to be judged by keen eyes, posted just inside the arena.

Judges Ashlynn Jensen and assistant Tonya Madden will bear the drizzle to assess each rider in the horsemanship competition. Yet they know the role means more than selecting a ribbon winner. Judges at the county fair help young riders learn their craft.

Madden's role is to make certain everything runs smoothly.

"Like in halter, I make sure the kids are lined up a...