Kylan Thulin-Gizzi Makes a Big Impact with Small Equines at Thurston County Fair

Kylan and Rosie behind a white low fence with a banner that says 'Champion Thurston County Fair 2023'
In-hand hunter is Kylan's favorite event. Last year, he and Rosie, shown here with their ribbons and trophy, were grand champions at the Thurston County Fair. Photo credit: Patricia Thulin
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Kylan Thulin-Gizzi loves horses. Particularly those small in stature. But finding things to do with smaller equines can be a challenge, which is one of the reasons Kylan decided to join 4-H three years ago. This year, he is headed to the Thurston County Fair with his two small horses and he hopes to see you there!

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“I wanted to learn more about horses, and different ways to show them, especially small equine classes,” shares Kylan about why he joined the Blazing Saddles 4-H Club. “I’m also in Pony Club. I like Pony Club for jumping, but you can’t do small equine in Pony Club.” In this case, small equine means miniature horse or small pony breeds that are not being ridden, but compete in in-hand classes.

The Blazing Saddles 4-H Club happens to have a lot of kids that show small equine, giving Kylan good company. “I love showing my pony, Rosie, in-hand,” Kylan explains. “I used to ride her when I was younger. It’s nice that I can still show her in the small equine classes. We won grand champion last year for hunter in-hand, jumping her over fences.”

Rosie is a grade pony, meaning they don’t know what breed she is, but Kylan thinks she is probably a Welsh/Shetland cross. And she is most likely in her mid- to late 20s. “She looks good for her age,” he adds. “Ponies sometimes live to 40!”

Kylan leading his horse Rosie in the arena at the Thurston County Fairgrounds
Kylan with Rosie at the Thurston County Fair 2023 Photo credit: Patricia Thulin

Patricia Thulin, Kylan’s mom, says 4-H is great for kids in a number of ways. “We’re a part of a supportive club that helps kids develop confidence and responsibility for their horses,” she explains. “But 4-H isn’t limited to just farm kids doing animal projects. It has become all-inclusive with many kids doing STEAM projects.”

Representing Male Equestrians at the 2024 Thurston County Fair

Kylan is also riding at the Thurston County Fair this year on Daeg, his family’s gypsy cob. Daeg is 16 years old. He will be showing him in hunt seat equitation, hunter hack over fences, dressage and trail. With Rosie, Kylan will be competing in in-hand hunter, dressage, obstacles and trail.

Kylan jumping over a log on Daeg in a field
Kylan also does Pony Club with Deag, his family’s small gypsy cob. Photo credit: Patricia Thulin

In addition to the classes with the equines, Kylan also does a 4-H presentation. This is a powerpoint presentation on a topic the 4-Her chose themselves, but that has to do with their overall project focus, in Kylan’s case, this means horses. Last year, Kylan did his on feeding senior horses. “Usually there are three stages to practice public speaking and working on perfecting your presentation,” he explains. “My first draft I did for my club, then I did a more finalized presentation for a district leader, and at fair I will have my final presentation that will be judged with points.”

This year, his presentation is on fox hunting, something he does with Deag at the Woodbrook Hunt Club. The Hunt Club puts on drag hunts, where a human with a scent runs through the woods for the hounds to chase instead of a real fox. “I went on my first fox hunt with Rosie, and now I ride Daeg on hunts,” Kylan explains. “I figured doing my presentation on something I know and do would be the most informative.” If he does well on his presentation at the Thurston County Fair, he will be able to take it to the State Fair and present it there.

Kylan Thulin riding Daeg in an arena
Kylan Thulin is one of just two boys in the Thurston County horse 4-H program. He hopes more will join him. Photo credit: Patricia Thulin

At the lower levels of a lot of these sports, you don’t see very many male riders. “Kylan has always loved animals, especially his ponies, and that has been his main drive to participate in 4-H,” Patricia shares. “He is sometimes shy and only one of two boys that are enrolled in the Thurston County 4-H horse program. I hope he sets an example that horsemanship is fun and exciting for boys too!”

Kylan is looking forward to the small equine classes at the Fair this year, but says showmanship is a challenge. “It’s a hard class for my horses,” he explains. “Daeg was never trained to do showmanship. I prefer performance classes.”

Head to the Thurston County Fair to learn more about equestrian sports and 4-H. Maybe next your child will join Kylan at the Fair with their own small equine!

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