PONYING UP A SHOW : 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL SWEEPS RIDING, TRAINING HONORS.

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Daily News Staff Writer

Carefully commanding her 10-year-old pony named Peanut Butter through an obstacle course, 12-year-old Julie Jaegers took high honors Wednesday in the gymkhana at the Antelope Valley Fair.

Competing against some 30 other 4-H members as old as 17, the Littlerock 4-H member was awarded the master showmanship trophy.

``This is really fun,'' said Julie, who has been riding in fair events and other competition for the past three years. ``I've won other awards but this is the highest.''

A gymkhana gives youngsters a chance to learn sportsmanship and responsibility, said Donna Kreig, a Lake Los Angeles Risers 4-H Horse Project leader and mother of two participants.

``It's important for them to know how to compete against each other and still support one another. Everyone here is like a family,'' Kreig said.

``They learn so much confidence and self-esteem here,'' she said. ``They don't feel awkward going out for other things.''

Julie walked beside Peanut Butter through the obstacle course, including four cones, and successfully commanded the pony in trotting, turning and walking backward.

Julie and Peanut Butter also won ribbons in other gymkhana events.

``Each course is different,'' she said. ``So you don't get sick of them.''

Julie has been riding since she was 5. She got lessons from an aunt who has a horse ranch. Julie hopes to become a horse trainer or a veterinarian when she is an adult.

``If I was a trainer, I could show others what I have learned,'' she said. ``I want to show people my techniques and make them better.''

Like all other 4-H members, Jaeger has to care for, feed and train her animal.

``I feed him, give him water and clean the stalls every day,'' said Jaegers. ``It takes a lot of time. When I give him a bath, it could take up to four to five hours.''

Antelope Valley Fair Facts

The Antelope Valley Fair and Alfalfa Festival will continue through Monday.

WHERE: 155 E. Ave. I, Lancaster.

ADMISSION: $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children ages 6 to 12. Children under 6 and uniformed military enter free. Parking: $2.

PHONE: [phone].

TODAY

SHOWS AND EVENTS: Cattle drive, Lancaster Boulevard from 10th Street West to Division Street. PRCA Rodeo, 7:30 p.m. Bad Moon Rising, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.

HOURS: 5 p.m. to midnight.

FRIDAY

SHOWS AND EVENTS: PRCA Rodeo, 7:30 p.m. Rob Hanna, 6:30 and 10 p.m.

HOURS: 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

CAPTION(S):

2 Photos, Box

Photo: (1-color) Jessica Janus, 13, of Lake Los Ang eles rides her horse Moe Joe in area 4-H clubs' gymkhana competition at the Antelope Valley Fair.

(2--color) Julie Jaegers and her pony show awards they won at the Antelope Valley Fair.

Jeff Goldwater/Daily News

Box: Antelope Valley Fair Facts (see text)