MOUNT VERNON — Equestrians, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone looking for a pleasant, relaxing afternoon should focus on Knox County this weekend.
Just such an opportunity will be available on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Knox County Horse Park on Thayer Road just off Columbus Road.
In 1995, the Ohio Horsemen’s Council leased and cared for the 45-plus-acre plot.
“They (the Ohio Horsemen’s Council) didn’t do a lot with it, so the county was going to lease it to someone else, that’s when the Knox County Horse Park came to be, actually in about 2000,” explained trustee Claude Robertson.
Driving through the gates at the horse park is like a step back in time. Lauren Smith is the president of the park and believes there are several reasons horses play such an important role in the lives of those who care for them.
“For me, it is the companionship, just to have the ability to have that trust with an animal,” Smith said.
Horses are a family affair for her. Her husband Bryant is also a trustee for the park, and Lauren sees the next generation following in the family footsteps.
“Two of my three boys show horses and (I get to_ watch them grow and their character and confidence increase,” she said.
Robertson agrees the horses are a great influence on youngsters during an era when so much of their time can be consumed with electronics and indoor games.
“I’ve got four grandkids and two of them ride my horses. When they are on the horse, they are like a different kid,” Robertson said with a smile. “Of course, I take care of the horses; that is probably why they like them so much.
“When they get around the horses, they are different. It is kind of like therapy, I guess.”
Besides dedicating the month of July to helping riders prepare for the Knox County Fair, the park hosts approximately 12 events a year.
“Many of them are competitive, such as the high point events (points are awarded based on the placement at the end of the event),” Smith said. “We usually award the top two or three based on how many people are in the class.”
There are divisions for 8-year-olds and under, all of the way to 60 years and older.
“There is no limit, everyone is invited, but the main thing is we just want people to have fun,” Lauren Smith said.
Other events include the extreme sizes of the equestrians.
“We have the big and little show where the minis and the draft horses come and show, and then there are two poker runs, which is about a two or three-mile trail ride,” the president said.
The open house is next on the list.
“It’s just open to the general public for anyone to come and see what is going on, especially if they have not been here before,” Smith said.
This weekend’s open house will have the arena open for anyone who would like to bring their own horse and ride.
Lunch and dinner will be provided by the Cook Shack.
Occasional Carriages will give carriage rides, and pony rides and a petting zoo will also be available. Draft horses will make an appearance, too.
After dinner, for those who would like to stay, beginning at 9 p.m. there will be a moonlight ride.
One of the final events of the season will be a Halloween costume ride.
All events and schedules are listed on the Knox County Horse Park Facebook Page. The board is seeking another trustee to fill a recently vacated seat.
“We are just looking for someone who is just willing and able to help,” Robertson said. “We have work days and helping with the shows.and loves horses and loves helping people.”
It must be remembered that while the park is open for riders to use at their leisure, horses are not provided.
“I get quite a few calls on that, ‘when do you open up and are there horses?’ We are not open for horseback riding (horses not provided),” Robertson said.
Anyone who is interested in horses, the outdoors, and hot dogs will have the opportunity to enjoy those and much more on Saturday.