Blue Ribbon Classic: A Fun Finale for the Ohio Show Circuit!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
BROOKVILLE, Ohio – Fall time is fun time for exhibitors headed to the Blue Ribbon Fall Classic. Since evolving into a late calendar show several years ago, Blue Ribbon has found its identity as a relaxing, enjoyable event where everyone can kick back and have a good time. Held Oct. 1-2 at Circle G Ranch in Brookville, the show once again attracted nearly a full house of happy horse lovers.
Show management, headed by husband and wife team Evette and Steve Moody, pour on the hospitality with a welcome cook-out Friday night before the show, a pizza party after the show on Friday evening and a full exhibitor party on Saturday night. The show capitalizes on their laid back atmosphere by upping the fun factor with special awards for a fall/Halloween tack room contest, Saturday night’s most special hat contest and the neatest entry form contest.
One of the highlights of the show is the ever-popular open costume class, which traditionally kicks off Saturday evening’s show session. This year’s event featured exhibitors famous and infamous, a variety of equines and other four legged friends, in singles, pairs and groups. Gypsies, Batman, clowns, knights, witches, princesses, ladybugs, pirates, leopards and The Great Pumpkin with Charlie Brown & friends put in appearance, much to the delight of the crowd. Appropriately, prizes and blue ribbons were awarded to all.
Fun and food aren’t the only draws to Blue Ribbon Classic. The show hosts the American Hackney Horse Foundation Adult Amateur Driver finals, drawing a nice representation of hackney, roadster, harness and pleasure driving ponies to the championships. At a time when many shows are struggling to fill their pony classes, it was a pleasure to see this division so well supported. Additionally, the Ohio American Saddlebred Horse Association hosts their Sweepstakes at Blue Ribbon, providing cash incentives to specially designated classes for ASHAO members.
Despite pressure from the Kentucky Fall Classic’s change of dates and the impending participation of some of their constituency at WEG, Blue Ribbon still enjoyed good numbers and a solid group of entries from across the region, with several major barns in attendance from Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. Adding to the appeal were judges Debbie Foley, who officiated in all divisions, and Tom Lowry, who marked the cards in the AHHSF Amateur Driver finals. Sandra Hall Photography snapped the pics, Lois Lese was organist, Brad Yount served a farrier, Chip Moehler was videographer and Jack Hawks served as announcer. Rudy Moody and Robert Faulkner handled paddock duties.
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