2015 Little Buckeye is Largest on Record, Kicks Off Buckeye Event in Ohio

By: Brittany Bevis

The Little Buckeye might need a name change next year, because according to show management, the three-day kick-off event of The Buckeye was the largest in history recording over 1,500 entries per judge. In charge of determining the winners this past weekend in Ohio were judges Charlie Cole, Kelly McDowall, Cindy Hale, Darren Wright, Kelly Chapman, and Andrea Simons.

Now that the first portion of the show is complete, competitors are gearing up for The Buckeye Classic, which will take place July 22-26, and will be judged by Scott Neuman, Rhonda Replogle, Larry Hansch, Nancy Sue Ryan, Robin Frid, Brett Clark, Tom Robertson, and Sissy Anderson.

We had the opportunity to speak with Buckeye representative, Rebecca Dingus, to get a feel for how the show is going so far.

“We wrapped up Trail on Friday night with some healthy entries (several classes with 30+ entries) and moved on into Showmanship classes,” Dingus says. “Running two patterns at once for both Trail and Showmanship has really moved our show along well.”

A special event took place on Friday in the form of the #PizzaWithPatti Town Hall Meeting. Over 130 people gathered as AQHA’s Executive Director of Shows, Patti Carter- Pratt, gave an in-depth explanation about changes to the AQHA Leveling program.

“Patti mentioned that, since adding the Rookie level with the 10-point limit, Rookie entries have doubled!” Dingus says. “Everything was very positive and well-received, including the adjustments coming for 2016, when Level 2 riders who place in the points for the combined (Level 2 & Level 3) class will receive that benefit, rather than points based solely on Level 2 entries.”

One way Leveling is being highlighted here at The Buckeye is in Showmanship, Trail, and Horsemanship classes for both youth and amateurs. The addition of Leveling will result in the creation of six new classes, six new circuit awards, and six new year-end awards for the Ohio Quarter Horse Association.

Another fun addition for competitors this year is the New Exhibitor Random Drawing Program. “A new exhibitor is defined as an exhibitor in his or her first year showing on the AQHA circuit or in his or her first year back showing in at least 10 years,” Dingus says. “One lucky new exhibitor will win a custom saddle, and one will win a Greeley hat. Kimberly’s Kreation’s Western Show Apparel sponsored these new exhibitor items to stimulate interest and engagement with new AQHA exhibitors, as well as to remind them of their value here at The Buckeye.”

Another way The Buckeye is giving back to competitors and show spectators is through The Equine Chronicle Hospitality Tent and Mobile Chronicle Cart. If you’re at the show, you might have seen the smiling face of Congress Queen Carly Kidner as she works the booth and helps to pass out cold water, Buckeye Classic ice cream sandwiches, and snacks. On Saturday, Queen Kidner celebrated her birthday at The Equine Chronicle Hospitality Tent with a big cake!

If you’re at the show, be sure to come by the Hospitality Tent to register for tomorrow’s 5K Fun Run/Walk. The Run/Walk will begin at 8:30 am. For a $25 entry fee, participants will receive a shirt, goodie bag, finisher’s medal, and a pancake brake fast following the race. All of the funds raised will go to the new Buckeye Classic Scholarship Program. Fun prizes will be given for the Top Overall Male, Top Overall Female, Top Youth, Top Amateur, Top Trainer, and Top Dog. Also, prizes will be given for the best costume and the barn/team with the most participants.

Check out more of the fun events scheduled for this week.

Friday, July 24th- Basket Auction- This basket auction will take place for the second year in a row to raise money for the Congress Cares Foundation.

Friday, July 24th- Exhibitor Dinner- Enjoy some delicious BBQ by Patrick Murty’s company, 7 BBQ.

Buck A Buckeye- Head over to the Hospitality Tent to pick up a homemade, chocolate-covered buckeye for $1.

Vendor Hunt- Be entered to win an Apple iWatch simply by visiting our vendors and filling out an entry card. Completed cards must be returned by Saturday, July 25th at 5 pm.

Scroll below to view candid photos courtesy of The Buckeye Classic and stay tuned for results coming soon.