Monday was the start of 4-H Achievement Days at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot.

Each year, participants from various 4-H clubs around the state show their skills to judges and each other in this week-long event. Monday was dedicated to horses, with shows going from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Austin Davis, a member of the Rocky Acres 4-H Club in Max, has participated in Achievement Days for the last two years with his horse, Tequila. He and Tequila are competing in 11 of 15 equestrian and western patterns, and have the opportunity to compete in other events such as barrel racing.

At Achievement Days, 4-H members compete with other members of their various classes hoping to earn blue ribbons. These blue ribbons are a mark of their skill, the result of much practice and hard work, and allow competitors to advance to the State Fair in July in Minot.

The rest of the week at Achievement Days will be filled with many events of various categories where 4-H members get to showcase their talents. There will be livestock shows, static displays, silent auctions, food and more at the State Fair Center. The events conclude on Friday.