It has now been 274 days since I was crowned the 2014 All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen. Although the Buckeye Classic does not officially start until the 22nd, the Ohio Amateurs kept all the exhibitors busy. On the 20th, money was raised for the Ohio youth scholarship at the annual golf outing. We kicked off the morning of the 21st with the inaugural Buckeye Blitz 5k! As a collegiate cross country runner, life really does not get any better than the combination of a horse show and a 5k! The sun and heat were intense, but everyone survived to make it to the pancake breakfast that followed. J All the money through the 5k went toward the first ever Buckeye Classic Scholarship! The start of the Buckeye Classic was busy with a lot of NSBA trophies and big checks! Luckily, I had the Michigan Quarter Horse Princess there to help me with the presentations.
Friday was the big leadline class at the Buckeye where each exhibitor received a huge stuffed zebra. All of their names were announced as they entered down the center of the arena. The kids had a blast and loved the zebras. I also presented the small fry exhibitors with the zebras! On Sunday, I again had the privilege to present some great prizes to the leadline and small fry classes. Between all of this I spent time at the hospitality tent keeping everyone in attendance at the show hydrated. Thank you to the Equine Chronicle, sponsor of the amazing hospitality tent that exhibitors and spectators enjoyed for the entire show! I had a great time seeing a lot of familiar faces and welcoming some new faces to my home state! During the show, exhibitors also enjoyed a barbeque dinner. It was delicious even though I did burn my mouth while trying out the HOT barbeque sauce! Each day a few “randow acts of kindness” winners were awarded a free pair of Durango boots. It was so refreshing to hear all of the nice acts people do for each other at the horse shows! I had a wonderful time at both the Little Buckeye and Buckeye Classic and it is even more special that this Top Ten Show takes place in my home state with my fellow Ohio Amateurs! Again, a huge thank you to the Ohio Amateurs for having me be part of your show and for your most generous hospitality!