Associated Press - July 9, 2009 5:44 AM ET

WEST MONROE, La. (AP) - About 400 teens and youngsters are in West Monroe this week, to show off their horses and riding.

The 40th Annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show began Tuesday and runs through Saturday, with riding and non-riding events at the Ike Hamilton Exposition Center.

Participants have already competed in parish and district shows. Sandra Billings of Jonesboro plans to stay in West Monroe most of the week while her 9-year-old twins Lexi and Larkin participate.

Events include breakaway roping, team penning, pole bending, western riding, reining and barrel racing, as well as public speaking and judging.

Horses will be shown and Western events held on Friday.

State winners advance to the Southern Regional Show later this month in Little Rock, Ark.

Information from: The News-Star, http://www.thenewsstar.com

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