The Great Darke County Fair Open Horse Show

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The Great Darke County Fair Open Horse Show 2018 Darke County Fair Open Horse Show Under new management for 2018. Please, NO bashing or badmouthing, etc. The 2021 show will be held Sunday August 22nd!

Your Darke County Fair Open Horse Show will be run by local Darke County residents and local equine professionals. Show secretary Lisa Heidenreich will be assisted by Angie Young, Tiffany Pope and Amber Schlechty. This page was created to allow all of us to come together and make this show the great, huge show that it once was. We welcome helpful suggestions by PM any time :) Our goal is to make this show the best county fair show in the area. We appreciate any and all support! Lisa, Angie, Tiffany and Amber

08/25/2026

We're taking talking horses!
Thanks Jayden Hicks for giving us the opportunity to talk about what's going on at the horse end!!

💛🐴 THE GREAT LEADLINE SHOWDOWN — THANK YOU, FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART 🐴💛What began as a silly conversation — truly jus...
08/25/2026

💛🐴 THE GREAT LEADLINE SHOWDOWN — THANK YOU, FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART 🐴💛

What began as a silly conversation — truly just a moment of joking around — took on a life of its own. In four short days, this community turned that spark into something extraordinary. Together, you raised over $11,000 for our Raise the Roof fundraiser to put a covered arena on the existing fairgrounds arena.

I am still in awe. And I am still smiling.

First, to my amazing show crew, office crew, and girl posse:
Stacy Peters, Tiffany Meckes Pope, Amber Myers Schlechty, and Angie Bender— you are the backbone of this entire venture. You are the ones who make ideas possible, who keep the wheels turning, who calm the chaos, and who say “yes” even when I come running in with something wild. Without you, this never would have come to life.

And to Shelley Lowder Meckes — your innocent comment about leadline prizes was the spark that lit the fuse. You handed us the match, and the community built the bonfire.

To all of the teams who participated — some willingly, some… let’s say “strongly encouraged” — thank you for giving it 200%. You showed up with creativity, humor, heart, and a willingness to be part of something bigger than yourselves.

To everyone who donated — every single dollar counted. This was only possible because of the generosity of a community that stands behind its 4‑H horse kids. You didn’t just donate; you invested in the future of youth, agriculture, and equine education in Darke County.

To everyone who attended in person or watched live online — thank you for giving the world a glimpse of what we do down here on the south end of the fairgrounds. The grandstand, the fence line, and both ends of the arena were FULL of people watching. It was incredible to see so many people at the horse end of the fair, supporting us financially and in spirit.

And to our 4‑H kids — thank you for working so hard, for showing up in the hot sun, in the pouring rain, and for giving your all to a sport you love. You are the reason we fight for this arena. This is for YOU.

What happened this week was more than a fundraiser.
It was community.
It was heart.
It was joy.
It was proof that when people come together, even the silliest idea can become something unforgettable.

From the bottom of my heart — thank you.

— Lisa Williams Heidenreich
Raise the Roof Supporter / Proud Horse Show Secretary

🌧️ THANK YOU, 2026 DARKE COUNTY FAIR OPEN HORSE SHOW FAMILY! 🌧️Before anything else, I want to thank my amazing show cre...
08/25/2026

🌧️ THANK YOU, 2026 DARKE COUNTY FAIR OPEN HORSE SHOW FAMILY! 🌧️

Before anything else, I want to thank my amazing show crew, office help, and girl posse — Angie Bender, Stacy Peters and Tiffany Meckes Pope — who spent all day in that booth answering questions, fixing errors, calming chaos, and keeping me sane. You three are the backbone of this show, and I couldn’t do any of this without you.

And to Amber Myers Schlechty thank you for always being our sounding board — the voice of reason, the calm in the storm, and the person who helps us talk through every wild idea and last‑minute crisis.

What a year! After the crazy rains right up until Fair Week, our arena somehow ended up looking the best it ever has. We actually had to WATER it — that’s how good it was! That didn’t happen by accident… it happened because our ring crew worked night and day to make sure the footing was perfect. I am eternally grateful for their dedication and grit.

To everyone who attended, supported, showed, volunteered, or cheered — thank you. Your presence is what keeps this show thriving year after year.

💛 To my incredible show crew:
You’ve been with me since we took over, and you are always my ear to bend, my advice‑givers, and the people who keep me from losing my mind. Without you, I could not do this.

💛 To my fabulous ring crew:
Thank you for keeping things running smoothly from start to finish. Your work shows in every step taken in that arena.

⭐ Jill Brook Marie Artz, my ring steward from the very beginning — thank you for keeping classes flowing and organized like a pro.

🎤 Jason Moore, our pleasure show announcer — thank you for handling last‑minute entries, scratches, mistakes, drama, and everything else with total calmness. You keep the show rolling no matter what gets thrown at you.

🎤 Amy Rismiller, our contesting announcer — thank you for juggling entries, scratches, timing, running orders, judge support, and about a hundred other things. You were a rock.

🚪 Kayla Morris & Sierra Willman, our pleasure gate crew — thank you for keeping exhibitors checked in and moving in and out of the arena smoothly and on time.

🚪 Samantha Barnes our contesting gate crew — thank you for managing those fire‑breathing dragons racing in and out of the arena with calmness and professionalism.

🏃 Steve Bruner, contesting arena crew — thank you for tirelessly picking up knocked equipment and making sure everything was reset correctly every single time.

⚖️ Terry Myers Training Center - Ride-N-Sync Horsemanship, our pleasure judge — thank you for doing a phenomenal job. You are always a pleasure to work with.

⚖️ Kacey Stollar, our contesting judge — thank you for handling all the high excitement that comes with a contesting show. You did an outstanding job.

🐴 To our 4‑H youth helpers:
Thank you, Asher Pierron and Jackson Elsas, for helping in the arena AND for running to get snacks for the overworked and underpaid office crew. Those açaí berry bowls absolutely saved us.

And finally —
💛 To everyone else who helped in any way, big or small… THANK YOU.
It takes a village to run a show of this size, and I am grateful for every single one of you.

— Lisa Williams Heidenreich, Show Secretary

08/23/2026

The Great Leadline Showdown raised $11,008.29.

First Place was Team Coy with Jared Coy and Kaylee Schlechty . $4,551.25

Second Place was Team Miley with $1,739.

Third Place was Team Elsas with $1,471.

We had 18 teams and they all did a tremendous job!!!

08/23/2026

Team Bio: Briana & Kylie McDonald — Team Hope on a Rope

Adult Rider: Briana McDonald
Youth Handler: Kylie McDonald
Horse: Hope (affectionately known as Hope on a Rope)

This mother–daughter duo is entering the Great Leadline Showdown with equal parts confidence, comedy, and a tiny bit of concern. Kylie is the fearless youth leader of this operation, fully prepared to guide her mom into the arena with the authority of someone who has absolutely seen Hope try things. Briana, meanwhile, is hoping for the best, trusting her daughter, and quietly praying she doesn’t become the entertainment portion of the show.

Hope — better known around the barn as Hope on a Rope — is sweet, steady, and occasionally dramatic. She’s ready to strut her stuff and show off her leadline skills, as long as Briana stays balanced and Kylie keeps her in line. The team motto: We’re hoping Mom doesn’t fall off, but if she does, we’re definitely winning Most Memorable Performance.

Together, Briana, Kylie, and Hope bring heart, humor, and family teamwork to the arena. A trio with charm, grit, and just enough chaos to make the crowd cheer.

To vote, use the word VOTE in memo and Team McDonald/Hope on a rope

Our 4H kids just finished day two of showing in the arena. Our arena crew has done an amazing job and we may even need w...
08/22/2026

Our 4H kids just finished day two of showing in the arena. Our arena crew has done an amazing job and we may even need water to keep the dust down. Hope to see you tomorrow for an amazing show.

They just keep rolling in and we couldn't be happier!!! Check out this team....they're gonna be tough to be beat! Team B...
08/22/2026

They just keep rolling in and we couldn't be happier!!! Check out this team....they're gonna be tough to be beat!
Team Bio: Brian, Annabelle & Whiskey — Team Billenstein
Adult Rider: Brian Billenstein
Youth Handler: Annabelle Billenstein
Horse: Whiskey
Theme: Long‑Haul Truck Driver

Team Billenstein is rolling into the Great Leadline Showdown with a theme that fits perfectly: Truck Driver Takes on Horsepower. Brian Billenstein has spent years behind the wheel of a semi, hauling freight, logging miles, and mastering the art of staying awake on long stretches of highway. Today, he’s trading diesel engines for Whiskey, a horse with opinions, personality, and absolutely no cruise control.

Brian openly admits he is not a horse rider. His personal goal for this event is simple: sit there, look pretty, and stay on. He’s not claiming skill, talent, or balance — just pure determination. After riding once in the Generation Gap class at the fair, Brian decided he “had it figured out.” The rest of us are not convinced.

Luckily, he has Annabelle, his teen daughter, as his handler. She is fully prepared to teach her dad something fun, something new, and something that does not involve shifting gears. Annabelle runs a tight barn and has zero hesitation about correcting her dad in front of a crowd. She’s confident, she’s capable, and she’s absolutely the boss of this operation.

Whiskey, for his part, is ready to haul this load into the arena. He’s patient, steady, and probably wondering why his rider keeps looking for a clutch pedal.

Together, Team Billenstein brings humor, heart, and a whole lot of horsepower to the Great Leadline Showdown. A long‑haul truck driver, a teen trainer, and a horse named Whiskey — what could possibly go wrong.

Every $1 donation equals one vote, and all proceeds support Raise the Roof, the project to build a covered arena for our 4‑H horse kids — the only exhibitors who show with no cover, rain or shine.

*To vote now, use the Venmo link below and in the memo area type the word VOTE and Team Billenstein!

08/22/2026

The Great Leadline Showdown Update

The competition has officially caught fire. Our voters have already donated over $4,200 toward Raise the Roof Darke County Fair Covered Horse Arena Fundraiser and the race is neck and neck. No one is running away with this thing—every single vote matters.

If you haven’t voted yet, now is the time to jump in and push your favorite team ahead. Bragging rights are on the line, chaos is guaranteed, and the horses (real or imaginary) are getting increasingly dramatic.

Every $1 = 1 vote.

When you send your Venmo donation, be sure to put this in the memo:

VOTE + the team name

If the memo isn’t correct, we can’t credit your team—so double‑check before you hit send.

Let’s keep the momentum rolling and Raise the Roof for the future covered arena at the Darke County Fair.

Get ready for adorableness overload!!!!Team Bio: Ava, Ella & Skylar — Team Smith & WilliamsDriver: Ava SmithCo‑Driver: E...
08/20/2026

Get ready for adorableness overload!!!!

Team Bio: Ava, Ella & Skylar — Team Smith & Williams
Driver: Ava Smith
Co‑Driver: Ella Williams
Youth Handler: Skylar Smith
Team: Farmer & Dale (the most dramatic duo in the stick‑horse world)

Team Smith & Williams is rolling into the Great Leadline Driving Showdown with a wagon full of determination, giggles, and absolutely no fear of chaos. Ava has driven this team before and considers herself a seasoned professional. She knows her horses, knows her wagon, and knows exactly how to command the arena… or at least she believes she does.

She’s also committed to safety first, proudly wearing an English riding helmet while driving her stick‑horse team. Is it the correct discipline? No. Does she care? Also no. Ava is ready for anything — potholes, runaway horses, or Ella deciding to stand up mid‑ride — and she’s going to be protected while doing it.

Her co‑driver, Ella Williams, is only two years old and has not yet mastered the art of driving, steering, or understanding why Farmer and Dale don’t listen. She sits proudly in the wagon, offering moral support, commentary, and the occasional squeal of excitement. She may not know how to help drive, but she absolutely knows how to supervise.

Their handler, Skylar Smith, is the brave soul tasked with keeping this entire operation under control. Skylar will be guiding Ava, Ella, Farmer, and Dale into the arena, fully aware she is basically managing a tiny Wild West parade powered by sugar, determination, and questionable steering. She’s ready for runaway wagons, dramatic horse behavior, and Ava deciding she’s actually a professional stagecoach driver.

Farmer and Dale, for their part, are ready to perform. Farmer is the “serious” one who thinks he’s pulling a championship carriage. Dale is the chaotic one who believes every turn is a chance for flair. Together, they create a driving team that is equal parts comedy and horsepower.

This trio brings pure joy, comedy, and unpredictable entertainment to the Great Leadline Driving Showdown. Ava is confident, Ella is adorable, Skylar is heroic, and Farmer and Dale… well… they’re doing their best.

Every $1 donation equals one vote, and all proceeds support Raise the Roof, the project to build a covered arena for our 4‑H horse kids — the only exhibitors who show with no cover, rain or shine.

*To vote now, use the Venmo link below and in the memo area type the word VOTE: Team Smith & Williams!

And we have even more fun coming your way with this next team!!!!Team Bio: Rachel & Rayne — Team Duncan & SmithAdult Rid...
08/20/2026

And we have even more fun coming your way with this next team!!!!

Team Bio: Rachel & Rayne — Team Duncan & Smith
Adult Rider: Rachel Duncan
Youth Handler: Rayne Smith
Mount: Chaos (appropriately named)

Fair week hasn’t even started, and Rachel is already exhausted. While most riders are polishing boots and prepping tack, Rachel has chosen a different strategy: strategic napping. She’s currently asleep on a bench, hat tipped low, stuffed animal in hand, and absolutely unbothered by the world around her. She’s already lost a spur somewhere in the grass, but don’t worry — she never loses track of her helmet. Priorities.

Her handler, Rayne Smith, has been trying (and failing) to wake her up. Rayne has attempted gentle nudges, pep talks, bribery, and possibly threats of missing funnel cake — nothing works. Rachel is committed to her nap like it’s a championship event.

And then there’s Chaos, their mount. Chaos is… well… chaos. He’s ready to go, ready to work, ready to show — but his rider is currently horizontal and dreaming of blue ribbons. Rayne is doing her best to wrangle both Rachel and Chaos, which is basically like trying to herd cats while juggling flaming batons.

Together, this trio brings pure comedy, determination, and a whole lot of personality to the Great Leadline Showdown. Rachel may be asleep, Rayne may be stressed, and Chaos may be confused, but they’re here, they’re showing up, and they’re ready to entertain the crowd.

Every $1 donation equals one vote, and all proceeds support Raise the Roof, the project to build a covered arena for our 4‑H horse kids — the only exhibitors who show with no cover, rain or shine.

*To vote now, use the Venmo link below and in the memo area type the word VOTE: Team Duncan & Smith

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Greenville, OH

Telephone

+19378670757

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