WEST MEAD TOWNSHIP — Shauna Bogardus was born into a line of horse-lovers.

In fact, “I think my first word was probably ‘horse,’ ” she said. “I drove my parents crazy until I got my first pony.”

Named Brandywine, that pony lived for 27 years, a well-loved fixture throughout her teen and many of her adult years. Participating with Brandywine in 4-H events, Bogardus (then Shauna Hotchkiss) said she learned — with her family’s help — about responsibility, pride in appearance and other positive character traits.

These days, horses are still very much a family affair. Bogardus and her husband, Wayne, raise Morgan show horses at their 20-acre WindSong Acres farm in Saegertown, and are regular participants in shows and competitions at the Crawford County Fair and other events around the region.

And this year was no exception, as the couple drove their prize Morgans — Caballos Gold Light and Caballos Diamond of WSA, respectively — at Monday’s horse and pony obstacle competition at the fairgrounds.

“Truly, my love is driving,” Bogardus said after her run with Caballos Gold Light, a deep buckskin-colored stallion with striking, amber-hued eyes. “I love driving the horse.”

Her husband’s mare, Caballos Diamond, was named champion of the Morgan division at last year’s fair, and has traveled to statewide 4-H competitions with the Bogardus’ niece, Alicia Hotchkiss, for the past two years.

“She’s really the star of the show,” Bogardus said, but Caballos Gold Light “is a big ham. He loves to show off for people.”

With that, she regularly reminds her husband that while “you might have the judge’s favorite, I have the crowd’s favorite.”

Even when they’re not out showing or competing, Bogardus said she still enjoys taking a drive across the farm with her stallion, often joined by her two pet Jack Russell terriers who sit in a basket on the carriage’s bench.

Monday’s obstacle competition, which also included miniature ponies and other categories, was just one of the events that make for a wide and interesting variety of draws for fairgoers.

The largest agricultural event in Pennsylvania, the Crawford County Fair — which continues through Saturday — is annually attended by upwards of 180,000 visitors, according to organizers.

“I’ve been coming to the fair since I was a little girl,” Bogardus said. “I just love it here, and we don’t miss it.”

Ryan Smith can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at rsmith@meadvilletribune.com.