Buckeye Western group to host horse show

FINDLAY — The Buckeye Western Horse Association is hosting its annual Classic Quarter Horse Show from July 18-20 at the University of Findlay's Western Farm. Since 1942, BWHA has been a staple in Hancock County's horse community, supporting the next generation of equestrians. This year marks 83 years of competition shows by BWHA. Having originally begun as a grassroots effort, the organization has since turned into a volunteer-driven nonprofit which promotes horsemanship and supports youth across the region. "Buckeye Western was organized back in 1942, with the idea of putting on horse shows and using the proceeds to promote horse related shows, events, training, and so forth," BWHA President Thomas Harmon said. "It's progressed into a different organization where all proceeds from the show that we put on this year will go for the 4-H kids at the fair. Helping pay for judges at the fair and improvements on fair grounds for the equine department there." Endorsed by the American Quarter Horse Association and the National Snaffle Bit Association, the three day quarter show will feature a variety of events such as Trail, Ranch Trail, Showmanship, Halter and Western Pleasure competitions. Riders are divided by age and skill level, with youth, amateur and open divisions. The three-day event runs from Friday-Sunday. Friday and Saturday's events begin at 8 a.m. with Sunday starting at 9 a.m. Friday begins with the Trail event. Riders will navigate through a series of obstacle courses. Next is the newly added Ranch Trail where horses are evaluated on everyday farm tasks. Saturday's lineup will follow with Showmanship. Judges will critique a rider's capability to lead their horse through a pattern and evaluate them on presentation. In the afternoon, stallions, geldings and mares will be evaluated on confirmation of appearance compared to other horses in the Halter event. The last show on Saturday is the Western Pleasure competition. Riders will highlight the elegance of the horse and their presentation in full western attire. Additional Western performances will wrap up the show Sunday. Throughout the competition, four AQHA approved judges will evaluate contestants. The three day event is free and open to the public. On Saturday morning, free donuts will be available, with free pizza provided in the evening. Western and English apparel, tack and gifts will be available for purchase from a selection of vendors, including Healing Cowgirls, Bucking Barista, Glitzy Apparel, Double R Tack and River Run Show Pads. All proceeds from the BWHA Classic Quarter Horse Show are to benefit Hancock County's 4-H equine clubs, including the costs for three annual Summer Fun shows, its judges' fee and the arena setup. The organization also sponsors trophies for the Hancock County Fair, sponsors the Draft Horse Show, supports the Horse Council's silent auction and puts on their own Open Horse Show during the county fair. "There's five 4-H equine clubs that show at the fair each year," Harmon said. "We sponsor them by giving them the proceeds. We pay for three fun shows during the summer, that 4-H kids can go to on the fairgrounds. We're going to have one this weekend on Saturday, where we'll have Buckeye Western members helping out, getting the arena ready, and putting on the show." In collaboration with the University of Findlay, the BWHA has also established a scholarship program with the University's Equestrian Program. Harmon noted 4-H equine participation has declined in recent years, accrediting this to rising costs, increased involvement in other sports, and a lack of ownership. "My hope with Buckeye Western would be to be able to promote 4-H equine involvement for the kids in Hancock County," Harmon said. "The numbers have been going down at the fair considerably in the last 10 years and we'd really like to see it come back up with families getting involved, kids getting involved in riding, and taking care of a horse." BWHA continues to provide support and incentives to encourage youth to get involved in equestrian programs through shows, volunteering and community outreach. The organization not only hosts shows, but has played a pivotal role in improving equestrian infrastructure in the area. In 2024, BWHA partnered with the Hancock County Horse Council for a renovation project on the 4-H Horse Barn at the Hancock County Fairgrounds. In 2024, phase one of the project was completed, costing more than $40,000. Renovations included: Replacing interior wall panels and floor skirting Removing and repairing 60 stall panels Leveling the floor with five loads of stone Installing over 400 stall mats Rehanging stall panels Replacing two small pull-up doors and one large entry door Upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting Future improvement plans for 2025 and 2026 include adding new sand to the show arena and installing ventilation fans for increased airflow in the barn.