6/28/2012 - West Side Leader
     

Shown from left are members of the Bath Volunteers for Service Horse Show Committee: Kim Pollard, Nancy Ivan, Amy Bowers, Marisela Fetzer, Jody Miller-Konstand, MaryAnn Heed, Mary McMakin, Sue Hartschuh, Julie Nitzsche and Beth Weidinger.

Photo courtesy of Marisela Fetzer

Shown is Bath resident Haley Zimmerman during a past Bath Horse Show.

Photo: Lew Stamp

Amy Bowers, who is a co-chair for the Bath Horse Show, said it is a good way for local residents to take part in a family-friendly event featuring class competition.

“The first day is a combination of English and Western classes,” she said. “The second day begins with jumping classes sponsored by Up & Over. This is considered a ‘friendly show’ where competitors can still earn points toward association ratings. Saturday’s show is sponsored by COSCA [Central Ohio Saddle Club Association], and Sunday’s show is sponsored by Up & Over, and both days provide riders the opportunity to earn points toward these association’s ratings.”

Bowers said there are a number of fun activities planned for those who attend the Bath Horse Show.

“There are classes that judge the rider, classes that judge the horse and always fun classes, such as the Arabian native costume and open Indian performance. And there are games such as egg on spoon,” she said. “In addition, there will be an impressive display of fire equipment, including an ambulance, several fire trucks and a safety trailer with a fire and storm simulator. We also offer inflatables for the kids, and we can always count on a visit from our own Uncle Sam.”

Another popular tradition at the Bath Horse Show is the annual poster contest.

“Every child in the Revere [Local] School District can participate in drawing/coloring a poster promoting the event,” Bowers stated. “Of the nearly 800 posters that are submitted, approximately 150 are chosen to be displayed at the front gate. The names of the children whose posters were selected are entered into a drawing for prizes. They and their families are also sent a free ticket to the horse show.”

Bowers said first-time participants can expect “a family-friendly event with great fun and great food.”

“The concessions, which are provided by the [Bath Fire Department] Ladies Auxiliary, are always a draw, featuring homemade goodies including pies, sloppy joes and hot dogs.”

Bowers said the horse show is important because it is “the single fundraising event” for the Bath Fire Department each year.

“The Bath Horse Show raises money for the Bath Fire Department, and the generous community donations help enhance the Bath Fire Department’s outstanding fire and EMS service, including technical rescue and water rescue team services that are provided to the residents of our community,” she said. “In 2011, the monies [were] used to purchase new turnout gear or personal fire protection clothing. Monies raised in 2012 will support similar projects.”

Bowers credited “generous community support” as the No. 1 reason the Bath Horse Show has been able to stand the test of time.

“We have several hundred people attend over the course of the two days,” she stated.

Marisela Fetzer, who is the other co-chair for the Bath Horse Show, said the Bath Volunteers for Service put in “a lot of hard work” for the Bath Horse Show every year. She said the effort is worthwhile “for such a wonderful event.”

“It’s a great way to improve our community,” she said. “It’s just an all-around nice event.”

The Bath Horse Show will take place at Revere and Everett roads, across from Revere High School, in Bath. The event, which will take place rain or shine, will begin at 9 a.m. each day.

Tickets can be purchased at the front gate. General admission tickets are $5. Discounted tickets are available for seniors at $3, and children younger then 5 years old will be admitted free of charge. In addition, two-day family passes are available for $15.

For more information about the horse show, call the Bath Fire Department at 330-666-3738.

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