Last weekend at the Little Buckeye, the show focused on their next generation of young horseman by offering free Youth and Novice Youth Entries for the first time ever. Also, many of their youth exhibitors left the Little Buckeye without a bill, thanks to the generosity of our Ohio trainers and their support of our new, innovative program–“Tabbed Out By Trainers”. This program awarded $150 credits randomly to every Novice Youth and Novice Amateur class at the show. For several of our exhibitors, this was their first time competing at an AQHA event!
This week at the Buckeye Classic, the show committee continued their efforts to bring grassroots people back and grow an industry that we all love, by giving their hard working Amateurs a chance to show for free for the very first time.
“Both shows have exceeded all of our expectations with over 3,000 entries the first weekend at the Little to this weekend at the Classic with approximately 7,500 entries!” says Justin Billings, show manager for both circuits. “With nearly 600 stalls sold and multiple arenas spread throughout the grounds with impeccable footing, these shows are turning into Ohio’s largest AQHA Circuit.”
The Sunbury, Ohio show had several nine point classes featuring multiple judges, allowing their exhibitors to earn many points, especially in the all-around classes. In addition to the six saddles, custom circuit champion sheets, team tournament and thousands of dollars in random prizes–one of the highlights of our show was the Leadline class on Saturday at the Buckeye Classic.
“It was the largest Leadline class I have ever seen with 15 kids showing their stuff to win one of our giant three foot tall teddy bears. Definitely a crowd favorite!” Billings told GoHorseShow.
The hospitality tent was also a huge hit where they passed out close to 1,000 Little Buckeye and Buckeye Classic T-shirts along with 60 dozen buckeye candies, cold bottled water, popsicles, cotton candy, popcorn and snow cones all to help our exhibitors feel more welcome!
“More than anything, our hope was that people left with a smile on their face, happy they spent some time with us at the Little Buckeye and Buckeye Classic,” Justin states. “Our OAQHA and BWHA volunteers were all eager to make each person’s stay as enjoyable as possible!”
CLICK HERE to check out the candids taken by Eric Mendrysa of Emajes Design and Chelsea Martz and sponsored by Rodrock Ranches. Thanks to Justin Billings for providing all the details about the show!
