2013 Little Buckeye is Complete, Buckeye Classic Will Begin Tomorrow in Ohio

The first portion of the nine day 2013 Buckeye extravaganza is in the books, and the second portion of the show is scheduled to begin tomorrow at the Eden Park Equestrian Center near Sunbury, Ohio. Judging from the considerable number of youth exhibitors that were in attendance over the weekend for OQHA’s Little Buckeye, show management is hoping the enthusiastic participation carries over into the OAQHA and BWHA Buckeye Classic this week.

In the Novice Youth Horsemanship class alone, there were a whopping 49 entries. 30 exhibitors competed in the 14-18 Horsemanship, and Novice Youth Western Pleasure hosted 36 entries. Novice Youth Showmanship saw 45 participants, and 14-18 Showmanship had 35 entries. This increased interest in youth classes undoubtedly had something to do with the fact that all youth and novice youth entries during the Little Buckeye were FREE, thanks to the generosity of Coughlin Automotive. Another draw for exhibitors was the Tabbed Out By Trainers program, where randomly drawn competitors received a $150 credit on their showbills.

Judges, Jennifer Thompson, Leslie Lange, and Nancy Alto Renfro, officiated the Little Buckeye, July 20-21. For the Buckeye Classic, which begins tomorrow, Doug Huls and Liz Haynes will judge on Thursday and Friday. A special event show featuring showmanship, horsemanship, equitation, western pleasure, hunter under saddle and pleasure driving will be judged by Bruce Walquist. Karen Graham, Scott Neuman, and Rob Meneely will judge Saturday and Sunday.

One unique event that will carry over from the Little Buckeye is the Youth/Amateur Team Tournament. There are currently 50 entries in the tournament, which will award $4,500 in prizes to the top five placing teams. Teams are randomly drawn, participants must compete at both shows, and each team includes at least one youth and one amateur exhibitor.

On Monday, 16 teams of golfing aficionados gathered at the Bent Tree Golf Club to participate in the first annual Buckeye Charity Golf Outing. Despite the dismal weather, participants were all smiles, and a few even donned some interesting outfits for the occasion. This event benefitted the OQHYA and the Youth Scholarship Fund.

The Buckeye Classic begins tomorrow and will continue through July 28th. Six sets of points will be offered for AQHA exhibitors, and all amateur, select amateur, and novice amateur entries are FREE, courtesy of Bailey Farm, Fritz and Carol Leeman/Leeman Farm, the Martz Family, and Pine Meadow Quarter Horses.

Exhibitors who choose to take advantage of the free entry fee offer might be rewarded with a custom JR Wenger saddle or headstall and reins as an all-around prize. Custom Rod’s sheets will be presented to circuit champions in each class.

Classes at the show will be NSBA dual-approved for two sets of points, and seven $1,000 added money NSBA classes will be offered as well.

If you need a place to get out of the heat and grab a sweet treat, The Equine Chronicle has sponsored the Buckeye Classic Hospitality Tent that will provide cool drinks, popcorn, snow cones, and cotton candy during the show. Also, be on the lookout for the Chronicle Cart that will be delivering refreshments around the show grounds.

Stay tuned for results and photos from the Buckeye Classic this weekend.

Click here to view results from the Little Buckeye.

Scroll below to view some fun images from the Little Buckeye and first annual Buckeye Charity Golf Outing, courtesy of OQHA.