Trotting out all the pretty horses
The quarter-horse show runs through Sunday.
By ROB MEYER
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CANFIELD -- Some horses are jumping over fences. Others are running patterns around barrels. A few stand in place while they are groomed. Some just munch grass.
There is just no shortage of things for horses -- and people -- to do at the Northern Ohio Quarter Horse Association 2003 Firecracker Circuit, a horse show that runs through Sunday at the Canfield Fairgrounds. Spectators can arrive at 8 a.m. There is no specific time when each day's events will end. There is no charge for spectators.
Big show
Association President Peg Leonard said the show is one of the largest quarter-horse shows in the eastern United States.
"This is a major show," she said. "People come out from all over."
The show features various events from jumping to timed races, in which horses run cloverleaf patterns around poles or barrels. Each day, awards are given to riders who win events.
Wednesday was English Day at the show, with winners receiving English saddle pads and harness bags. Today is Youth Day, Friday is Amateur Day, Saturday is Exhibitor Day and Sunday is Western Day.
Team tournaments are also held. After the day's events are over, members of the respective teams participate in activities such as water balloon tosses and kickball.
Saturday will feature a pig roast and DJ, sponsored by Leonard Truck and Trailer.
Leslie Myers of Sharon Center, Ohio, was getting ready to ride her horse, Cover Girl SL. Cover Girl's specialty is jumping over fences, and she is classified a Working Hunter horse.
"We go to a lot of out-of-state shows, but when you have one ... in state] it's nice," Myers said. "These fairgrounds are great," she added.
While most people participating in the show are riders, trainers are also taking part.
Rick Cecil, who owns a breeding and training business in Medina, brought seven horses to the show. His responsibilities include grooming and training the horses and instructing youths on proper riding techniques.
A regular
Cecil is a regular participant in horse shows across the country.
"This is a great show," Cecil said.
Leonard said many participants treat the five-day event as a vacation. Most participants arrive in campers.
The Firecracker Circuit has been going on since 1972. This is the second consecutive year it has been held at the Canfield Fairgrounds. Before 2001, the show was often held at the Summit County Fairgrounds.
rmeyer@vindy.com