BELTON — The small crowd in the Expo Center Sunday saw horses and riders explode out from the gates, maneuver (well, sometimes) among a row of slender, white poles and then disappear into the waiting stable.

Backstage, girls competing in the Bell County Youth Fair Pole Bending competition sat on fidgety horses and listened for their name to be called out by the woman with the clipboard.

Everyone stood clear of the runway as a horse came thundering through at a gallop. The announcer could faintly be heard announcing the time.

“Okay, number four is a scratch, Christina you’re up next.”

All necks craned to see the performing rider out in the arena.

“Way to go, Courtney,” yelled a contestant.

Then a collective groan filled the air. “Whoa, she’s, like, leaning — She’s going way to fast,” said one girl.

“Everybody knows everyone else’s names,” Ellen Lyons, 14, of Davilla said. “Especially if they’re good.”

Lyons, a homeschooler, has been competing in speed events for three years.

The Bell County Youth Fair and Livestock Show continues today with the moving in of market lambs and breeding sheep during the afternoon and a fashion revue at 7 p.m.