08/23/2024
Now that the dust has settled (no pun intended, because the arena was AWESOME!!!), we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to so many people who made the 2024 Darke County Fair Open Horse Show such an incredible success!
First, to my girl posse: Angie Bender, Stacy Peters (who is also an amazing computer guru and powered through all the program issues), Tiffany Pope, and Amber Schlechty. You are the ones who keep me grounded, who let me bounce all my questions and concerns off of you—thank you for being my rock.
To our announcer, Jason Moore: can I just take a moment to say how incredibly awesome he is? He never gets flustered when we don’t get his class sheets to him on time or when we make changes, scratches, and additions. Even when back numbers don’t match, he remains calm and collected. After 18 hours in the booth, he also offered to help put away barrels and poles at midnight! If anyone is looking for a great announcer who keeps the classes moving and is always pleasant and helpful, Jason is your guy!
A big thank you to Lexi Moody, our judge, who was kind, friendly, and helpful; and to Jill Artz, our excellent ringmaster who has been with our crew since we first took over this show and keeps everyone in line, literally, lol.
To our gate crew: Cassi Chalmers, Natalie Beck, and Grace Graf, who stand tirelessly in the heat, the rain, and the chilly temps to get people and horses in and out safely and quickly—thank you for your dedication.
To our contesting ring crew: Samantha Barnes and Abraham Adams and Logan Moody who jumped in to help when we needed and who dealt with wet weather and then abnormally cold temps! And thanks to Asher Pierron for jumping in to set poles that were knocked over. That kid is a GREAT worker and babysitter!
A huge shoutout to Jesse Peters for setting up the Ranch pattern and allowing us to borrow his timer system as a backup!
To Kiera Spencer for carrying our Nation's flag before the National Anthem!
To our amazing sponsors: Hartzell Veterinary Service, Woodbury Farm, Kramer Farm, The Winery at Versailles, Jesse Peters Natural Horsemanship Instructor, Mike & Carol Williams, Tom & Diana Taylor, Meckes and Associates Insurance, Amber Schlechty and Twisted Pony Creations, Kellers Grain, and Camelot Farm—thank you for making the added money classes possible! You’re the reason the crowds were so big, and we appreciate you so much!
And how about that arena crew? WOW! Despite torrential downpours the day and night before (and during) the show, Kyle Schlechty and Tyler Myers managed a miracle. That arena was the bomb! Not just anyone could pull that off, but they did it in a BIG way—it was darn near perfect!
Lastly, to all of YOU who came to show and braved torrential downpours and chilly temps, we are so glad you attended. It turned out to be a pretty terrific day! And if I missed thanking ANYONE, please let me know. It takes SO many people to put this together, and each and every one of you is greatly appreciated!
Sincerely, Lisa Heidenreich, Show Secretary
