Berea residents sat on picnic benches under a very warm sun on July 17 to watch the Cuyahoga County Farm Bureau Equine Advisory Committee’s annual Benefit Horse Show at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds.
The horse show featured both English and Western equitation, as well as other fun contests such as flag-, ribbon-, carrot, and egg-and-spoon races. Riders aged 18 and younger all wore helmets. With each entry priced at $5, it was quite affordable for a show, and proceeds went to benefit the Regional Equine Information Network System, or R.E.I.N.S.
Kim Cole, an equine specialist with the Ohio State University Extension explained that R.E.I.N.S. is currently in its second year. It serves as a resource for first responders to emergencies that involve large animals, and is locally supported by Joseph Porach, owner of Starlite Stables at the fairgrounds.
“We have a lot of horse activity up here in this are,” said Cole. “Due to urban living, first responders are less familiar with large animals. This brings a network of information to various contacts across the state that is helpful should an emergency, such as a fire, arise involving large animals.”
From Olmsted Township through Berea and North Royalton, the southwestern area of Cuyahoga County is active in horsemanship.
Anita Cook of the farm bureau said that the show provided riders with “gentle” rules.
“This gives the riders an opportunity to learn from a judge who instructs them in what they have done right. That is important. This is just for fun, but it’s also supportive of the R.E.I.N.S. program. We really needed a program like that right here in Cuyahoga County,” she said.
