The Great Leadline Showdown

GREENVILLE – The Great Leadline Showdown will be held at intermission (lunchtime) of the Great Darke County Fair Open Horse Show on Sunday August 23, 2026 in the main horse arena.

Whether Ohio decides to give us sunshine, sideways rain, or something that looks suspiciously like soup falling from the sky, The Great Leadline Showdown WILL happen at the Darke County Fair. This class is moving forward no matter what — and it’s one more reason to support Raise the Roof, our campaign to build a covered horse arena so we never have to negotiate with the weather again.

This is a brand‑new class, never held before at the Darke County Fair Open Horse Show, and we’re not entirely sure who approved it, but we’re doing it anyway.

If the arena footing isn’t safe, or if you simply prefer not to climb onto a creature with opinions, memories, and a union representative, you can still participate. Stick horses, stuffed horses, imaginary horses, invisible horses, cardboard horses, and horses drawn on poster board are all welcome. If your youth handler can lead it, we’ll count it.

You will need:

– An adult rider (loosely defined; must be able to sit upright)
– A youth handler (the true boss of this operation)
– A “horse” of any species, material, or dimension

Start lining up your vote sponsors now. Every $1 = 1 vote. Most votes wins. Talent is optional. Confidence is recommended. Chaos is guaranteed. There will be runner-up category placings too!

This class is in person only, but once you sign up, feel free to send us a brief bio and/or photos of your team (not required, but we’d love the opportunity to help get you more votes right away!) We will begin sharing them so your supporters can start donating immediately. Early campaigning is absolutely allowed.

How to Enter:

Sign up now by sending your $20 entry fee through the Venmo link included in this post.

Your Venmo ENTRY memo MUST include:
– the word ENTRY
– Adult rider’s name
– Youth handler’s name
– Horse’s name (real, fake, or something you made up on the drive over)

If you forget this information, we will assume your horse refused to participate in paperwork.

How to Vote:
Cash or check accepted at the event, OR voting also happens through Venmo. Vote now vote often!

Your memo for all Venmo VOTES must include:
– the word VOTE
– AND The name of the rider/handler duo you’re supporting

This ensures your votes go to the correct team and not to the judge’s emergency caffeine fund.

Every dollar = one vote.

Official Rules
– The kid is in charge. This is non‑negotiable.
– Adults must follow all kid instructions, even the ones that sound like dares.
– Horses may renegotiate their contract at any time.
– Parents who were “voluntold” must pretend they know what’s happening.
– Bribery is allowed for horses only.
– The judge accepts all forms of chaos, including the kind you didn’t plan.
– Dramatic horse side‑eye earns bonus respect.
– The winner is determined by donations, not talent.

We will also be announcing several backup winner categories, including Most Chaos, Best Creativity, Most Dramatic Horse, Most Enthusiastic Kid, and Best Clueless Parent.

Join us, cheer loudly, vote often, and help us build a covered arena so future generations can enjoy horse events without checking the radar every ten minutes.