Rich Bradshaw Legendary Local Cowboy by Mandy Boggs
accent fills the air. “Come on, let’s grab a bite to eat The scent of fair food saturates and catch up,” he says, while pulling the air while a mixed medley of out the keys to the large diesel truck carnival sounds echoes through attached (of course) to a cattle trailer. the night sky. A large crowd gathers Having the chance to sit down with along the arena fencing, separating excited children and curious parents him is something anyone lucky enough to know him, treasures. Not watching expectantly from the just for the conversation, but the sand footing, as it surrenders to stories and words of wisdom hidden a thundering stampede of horses among those tales that stick with during the grand entrance. It’s a you forever, when coming from Rich September night at The Great Bradshaw. Geauga County Fair, Ohio’s oldest “Being a cowboy was something I state fair, and Rich Bradshaw is took very seriously,” about to capture Rich Bradshaw, the attention “Growing up, I says a lifelong resident of everyone walking by. One didn’t buy the big, of Northeast Ohio. “Growing up, I of his two-night annual events, tall boots and fancy didn’t buy the big, boots and fancy the Ranch hat to be looked tall hat to be looked Cow Sorting Championships at like a cowboy, at like a cowboy, I wanted to prove and the Horse I wanted to prove that I was one.” and Rider about to Obstacle that I was one.” turnNow, 76 years old, Challenge are Bradshaw has so popular –Rich Bradshaw lived his cowboy that many local status for over fifty-two years. He riders practice all year just for these has been renting the same barn at two nights under the lights. For over thirty-five years, this local the Geauga County Fairgrounds in Burton, Ohio, for the last fortycowboy has ignited a love of horses nine years, where he has operated among many of these spectators his business of training and selling of the fair, simply by doing what he horses, as well as teaching lessons does best – showing people how much fun you can have with horses. Photos courtesy of Rich Bradshaw The spurs on his boots ca-chink, ca-chink, ca-chink as he walks over to the tack room, stopping to wipe shadows of dirt from his neatly buttoned shirt. He tosses his saddle up on a rack, then leads a training horse back to his stall after finishing a ride. Leaving just enough time for a quick lunch before his next lesson arrives, he heads towards the barn door. Rich is everything you would expect in a cowboy, only instead of a long southern drawl, his native Ohio
60 OHIO EQUESTRIAN DIRECTORY 2022
Rich Bradshaw Photo courtesy of Jessie Bradshaw-Brown
to riders of all ages. He earned himself a loyal following over the years, often attributed to his willingness to help just about any horse or rider with any problem they were facing. Early on it was the difficult horses, transitioning later to fearful riders that were desperately hoping to rekindle the enjoyment they once had for riding. “I was at another local farm and
had to move. I ended up at the fairgrounds, not really intending to stay; I just needed a temporary place to go, but I’m still here and it’s worked out quite well,” states Bradshaw. With many cowboys coming in from Texas and the traditional states that come to mind when someone thinks of a true cowboy, it’s become a predictable pattern for them to pack
(Above) Rich, calf roping in his early career, something he's always really enjoyed competing and teaching others how to rope. Rich at 14, with Frosty and her colt the first horse trade he ever made.
