“Post” Fair
Middlefield Post
Highlights from the 2015 Great Geauga County Fair
Sept.16, 2015
Twenty-Eight Years of Horses at the Fair By Mandy Boggs grabs, but it is also the oldest cattle event held at any fair in the state of Ohio. Teams of two had to enter a pen of numbered cattle and take turns sorting through and herding specific cows by number, through a small opening in the pen. This opening, referred to as “the gate,” would be guarded by one of the team members. Each team had to take turns switching from guarding the gate to sorting the cows, all while trying to beat the clock. The cows set the bar high and a few young cows proved to be sneaky and quick at sneaking past the person in the gate. The crowd watched each team while either holding their breath or cheering them on as they tried to take home the championship. Rich’s daughter, Pam Bradshaw, has been competing in this event for 28 years. This year she made her father proud when she won the Open Three-Man Sorting, with her two children, (l - r) Cody Whitticar and Casey May sorted cows during the 2015 Ranch Jessie and Cody. Brother-sister team Kristine Sorting Championship at The Great Geauga County Fair. May (15) and Casey May (17), were among many others competing for cash. Kristine and Casey recently The sticky air clung to your skin while the sun started obtained the titles of AQHYA Youth World Champions in to set over the grandstands. The smell of fair food and Team Penning, at the 2015 Built Ford Tough AQHYA World sounds of screeching rides set the tone for an event that Championship Show in August. They have competed all over keeps bringing crowds back, year after year. Rich Bradshaw the U.S. and in at least three other countries. Kristine kicked has been putting on events at the Geauga County Fair for off this year’s Ranch Sorting Championships event, leading 28 years, and this year was just as entertaining. Families the contenders with the American Flag in the opening drew around the fencing that surrounded the horse arenas, ceremony. They ended up finishing the night at the top of the hoping to get the best view of this year’s Ranch Sorting Open Sorting. Casey and his Dad, John May, finished in first Championships and Horse and Rider Obstacle Challenge. place, with Kristine and Jeff McNish taking second place. Jeff Friday night was the 2015 Ranch Sorting Championship McNish, a longtime friend of Rich, has been attending these event. This event not only has the largest prize money up for
Steffanie Portman watching Bella Corcoran hoola-hoop atop her horse during the Horse and Rider Obstacle Challenge at The Great Geauga County Fair.
events for all 28 years. These top contenders weren’t the only stars of the show this year. Peyton Baar, age 6, had the crowd going wild for her as she rode her small pony, who was eye to eye with the cattle she had to sort. Peyton showed no fear making her way through the herd. This was her first time competing at the Geauga County Fair. She started sorting cattle two weeks prior, with the help of Rich Bradshaw showing her the ropes. Peyton is one to watch for in the future. T h e H o r s e Rich Bradshaw rode his horse, and Rider Obstacle Walter, at the 2015 Horse and Rider Challenge, which was Obstacle Challenge at The Great held Sunday night, Geauga County Fair. was one of the most exciting events Rich puts on. This year, there were new Continued on Page 2
Jeff McNish competed in the Horse and Rider Obstacle Challenge at The Great Geauga County Fair.