Bath Horse Show returns for 80th year

The 80th annual Bath Horse Show, presented by Bath Pony Club and Bath Volunteers for Service, will take place on Aug. 10-11 at the Bath Pony Club grounds in Allardale Park, 141 Remsen Rd., just north of Medina Line Road.

The Bath Horse Show is a time-honored, family-friendly tradition for area residents and the horse community of Northeast Ohio. It was born in 1944 when a group of Bath high-schoolers held a horse show to round out their riding season. Susie Cranz, her future husband Robert Wyatt, and five others organized the first show for the first Sunday in October. It was held in front of resident Ralph Wetmore’s barn, and by the end of the day, the Bath Riding Club members were able to make a sizeable donation to the Red Cross.

A schooling day takes place Saturday, Aug. 10 at 10 a.m. for competitors to test the cross-country course for the next day’s competition. This year is Bath Pony Club’s 60th anniversary. There will be a used tack sale, raffles, a barbecue party and games for the kids from 5-8 p.m.

On Sunday, Aug. 11, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., each horse and rider combination will compete in dressage, show jumping and cross-country, with cumulative scoring from each phase used to determine division winners. The used tack sale and raffles will also continue on Sunday.

During the past couple of years, nonprofits have struggled to support their missions with limited opportunities for fundraising and in-person volunteerism. However, the local community and businesses in and around Bath have consistently stepped up to make the Bath Horse Show a successful event. The outpouring of support from individuals and businesses through sponsorships, advertising, donations and entry fees last year brought in $22,000, which was split between the BVS and the BPC for each to continue their missions within the community.

Bath Pony Club’s primary mission is the education and development of future equestrian and community leaders.

BVS Horse Show Committee Chair Mary Kay Chlebina said, “The BVS share of the proceeds from the Horse Show become part of the BVS Charitable Giving Fund, which annually provides grants to dozens of local nonprofit organizations, and to local student scholarship recipients.”

While admission to the Bath Horse Show is free, contributions are welcome. Donors of $25 or more are listed in the event program. Sponsor levels begin at $250 and advertisements begin at $50. More information about supporting the show can be found at bathvolunteersforservice.com. ∞