Two young local equestrians who became good friends in 4-H will soon get to show off just how good they are at horsing around.
North Idaho Christian School freshman Shelby Roberge, 14, and Coeur d’Alene High School sophomore Sophia Paliotto, 15, will travel to DevonWood Equestrian Centre in Sherwood, Ore., to compete in the 2025 Great American Insurance Group/United States Dressage Federation Regional Dressage Championships, which begin Thursday and go through Oct. 5.
Sophia will ride her draft paint, Delta Dosent Dilly Dally. Shelby will be riding Itiswhatitistoday, an off-the-track racehorse, nicknamed “Oliver.”
This will be the second year for both girls to participate in the USDF programs, earning invitations to regional and national championships. In order to ride in the Region 6 championships, riders must obtain qualifying scores from USDF recognized shows throughout the show year.
“Getting to participate in USDF is an amazing blessing that God put into my life,” Shelby said. “I love the bond I have created with my horse through dressage and the great friendships I have gained in this experience.”
Dressage, sometimes referred to as “the ballet of equestrian sports,” showcases a rider’s skills to lead horses in a series of movements akin to dancing. The word “dressage” translates to “training” in French. It was introduced as an Olympic sport in 1912.
Shelby and Sophia have been involved with animals their whole lives. They first met raising pigs for 4-H when they were 6 and 7.
Sophia was 5 when she started riding horses. Shelby has been riding since age 8.
Sophia said she loves everything about horses, which she describes as “beautiful creatures that God put on this Earth.”
“From cleaning stalls to going on trail rides, my horse is one of my best friends that’s right behind me every step of the way,” she said.
Shelby said one of the best parts of dressage as a sport is the friendships that are forged by the participants.
“I am so thankful to have a lifelong friend to go on this journey with,” she said.
Horses are some of the best friends a person can have, Shelby said.
“I love creating bonds and relationships with them and getting to know each one of their special personalities,” she said. “I love the challenges of riding and that it’s something I can keep improving on throughout my life.”
Both young ladies said they are grateful for the support of their 4-H leaders, coaches, family and friends, and thankful to God for providing them with amazing horses and parents.
They will host a petting zoo from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Kootenai County Farmers’ Market at the southeast corner of U.S. 95 and Prairie Avenue in Hayden. Visitors will have opportunities to pet a bunny, hold a chicken, feed a miniature horse and meet the two young riders whose hard work has taken them from 4-H shows to regional championships.
“Sophia and Shelby represent not only the future of equestrian sports but also the strength of friendship, perseverance and local support,” Shelby’s mom, Chelsie Roberge, said. “Make sure to wish them well as they chase their dreams in Oregon.”