by Debbie Schiff, Ohio Standardbreds & Friends

Columbus, OH — What a great time Ohio Standardbreds & Friends had at BreyerFest 2015 this past weekend.

The crowds were huge, especially on Friday for opening day. Not only did 15 amazing Standardbreds get to perform in front of the crowd in the covered arena but they also got to do lots of meet and greets at the barn and around the park. Although extremely hot with a heat index of 105 degrees, the horses/riders/drivers/handlers were all fantastic in promoting the breed.

One of the most often heard comments over the weekend was “I didn’t know these horses could be ridden, let alone do all that they do.” It was a great experience talking to all kinds of people about the breed and letting them know that the Standardbred is a wonderful equine partner both on and off the track.

Shaunna Morris from Pennsylvania was our harness driver with Bettor Watch Him. The pair did a great job and impressed many, especially when they heard that Bettor Watch Him was still racing and that a youth could get the job done driving him both in and out of the arena. Not to mention that she also rode him and he was always a perfect gentleman.

Investor and Julie Allison made a stunning pair in Dressage and although Investor is still racing he seemed to really enjoy entertaining the crowds.

White As Can Be packed two young girls around in costume and showed how much these horses love the kids and how versatile they truly are.

Studs Hooligan showed off his jumping skills and loved every minute of it and would have jumped the moon for his owner and rider.

Silver Match and his rider were dressed for success in Saddleseat and although he didn’t really like the enclosed arena, still as usual he made a great presentation. His barnmate Powerlifter demonstrated Trail Riding and was outstanding and no one could have guessed it was his first big performance in front of a crowd.

Joshua Tree N and rider got the crowd excited and clapping as they ran the length of the arena at full speed. You could tell that he loves his job.

Beauclaire Bono was enchanting in Dressage and enjoyed showing off and getting a great response from the crowd.

The art of Showmanship was shown by Thank You Sam — the two time World Champion Showmanship Standardbred as well as many other championships and awards.

C Me Shine was fantastic in Western Gaited Pleasure and she really loves the kids and loves the crowds.

Ottawa Hanover looked beautiful in Dressage with her stunning black coat, white pad and leg wraps. She enjoyed her time in the spotlight as well as riding around the park.

Senator Sahbra was a racking machine as always and had people asking his rider “How come you don’t move in the saddle?”

Moonlight Fantasy loved all the attention as she performed polocrosse and she was a rock star with the kids.

Cams Best In Motion made his debut in Roadster and man can that boy move. He was a thrill to watch for all.

Allamerican Legacy enjoyed his time in the arena and meeting all the people at his stall. He also enjoyed meeting some of his Facebook fans and the peppermints they brought him.

Ohio Standardbreds & Friends will once again be hosting the World Show in Sunbury, Ohio, on Oct. 16-18 at Eden Park. The group is looking for class, division and special sponsors for the show. Please contact Debbie Schiff at 740.207.0852 or dschiff@roadrunner.com or by going to the World Show Facebook page for more information.