Something for Everyone at Springfield Charity
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – Known as the "Paul Field Horse Show", Springfield Charity is named for longtime local Saddlebred exhibitor and breeder Paul K. Field, whose High View Farm was one of the most prominent fixtures on the Tri-State show scene for several decades. The late Mr. Field was a generous supporter of local shows both in the ring and behind the scenes. The promotion of a quality show in his hometown was a project near and dear to his heart for many years. No doubt he would have been thrilled to see such an excellent turnout for this year’s edition.
Springfield Charity is in the right place at the right time, held this year Sept. 23-25 at the Clark County Fairgrounds. The show is blessed with topnotch facilities in the Champions Center, which offers an excellent indoor arena with ample adjacent stabling. The pleasant fairgrounds are also blessed with a restaurant and bar adjoining the show ring, plus affordable and tasty vendor food.
Centrally located just off I-70, Springfield Charity attracts not just Buckeye exhibitors but also top stables from Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Springfield is also the home of the popular Penn-Ohio Futurities and the ASHA "Get of Gold" futurities, adding even more incentives to draw exhibitors. The addition of UPHA Classics for three-year-olds was also well supported. The 2010 show was nearly sold out and the high quality of horses and ponies competing was apparent throughout the show.
Run by exhibitors for exhibitors, Springfield offers a wide variety of classes for amateurs, junior exhibitors, amateur-trainers and professionals in events for Saddlebreds, Hackneys, Morgans, roadsters, equitation, academy and in-hand. With 124 classes were packed into three days of horse show, Springfield had a niche to fit most any level of competitor, from novice to national champion. Despite the busy schedule, exhibitors appreciated the laidback atmosphere and hospitality; such as the free Saturday evening exhibitor party.
Chairperson Jack Hawkes and secretary Evette Moody headed up the show, working hard to make sure everything ran smoothly. Mike Van Dyke, former trainer for Paul Field now with his own public training business, appropriately served as UPHA representative. John Federer, Frank Otway and Bill Ray rounded out the show committee. Steve Wheeler officiated as judge in all divisions, and proved a popular selection. David Rice was the announcer once again, with Tim Schubert returning as ringmaster. June Marie Brune was the organist, Paul Kandell the farrier and Johnson Vet Clinic the show veterinarians. Terry Young came up from Lexington to snap the photos, an exhibitor pleasing addition to the 2010 officials.
The Springfield Charity Show benefits Mercy St. John’s Center, a part of the Mercy Health Care System, which provides long term care for seniors with Alzheimers and dementia. The show management will be writing their charity a check for approximately $10,000, quite an accomplishment for a show in this economic environment, and a tribute to the hard work of the show committee and the generous support of sponsors.
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