'A best friend who won't tell anyone your secrets'

Horse lovers head to Ritzville for the Wheat Land Communities' Fair

RITZVILLE — Briger Peterson has a short and pithy description of what a horse is. “A best friend who won’t tell anyone your secrets,” the 14-year-old said, ready to demonstrate her bareback riding skills during the second day of the Wheat Land Communities’ Fair in Ritzville on Friday. Phil Peterson, who manages the Iron Legacy Ranch south of Ritzville along with Heidi Tracy, leaned against the wire around the equestrian pen. Many of the horses in Friday’s competition came through Iron Legacy, Tracy explained, as she too leaned on the wire to watch the kids fit and show their animals. “They’re just so good for the kids,” Tracy said. “They teach them how to think outside themselves, teaching them to be selfless.” ...