In September of this year, The Southern Ohio Draft Horse Association (SODHA) will celebrate its thirty-fifth year as a fellowship of draft animal lovers. It is an occasion such as this that people tend to reflect upon the past and realize the changes that have occurred over the years. Talk to anyone that has in any way been involved with the SODHA, and they will likely reflect on one or more of the following: THE SHOW, THE PARK, AND THE MAN.  

THE SHOW is an annual affair established over three decades ago as a means with which to share a small groups’ love of draft horses with anyone who cared to see them. The show, as well as the association, has undergone tremendous changes over the years. From a group of four men (Phillip Dean, Earl Reed, Bob Cummins, and Howard Bohl) and a “metal post and rope” show ring, there has evolved a membership in excess of 140 members. After forming the organization in November of 1975, the first show took place the following September with the members “scrounging up” approximately thirty horses. In recent years, the majority of the horses shown, in excess of two hundred, have come from all over the state as well as surrounding states.  

THE PARK, known throughout the area as Reed’s Park, was the site on which the annual SODHA show took place. The park included a fourteen-acre wooded area and 28 acres on which the show ring, parking and camping areas were located.  

Hubert Reed and his wife Velma moved to Russellville, Ohio from Cherry Fork (in Adams County) in 1946. Using his experience as a dealer in dynamite; he began clearing a farm outside of town. That first year Hubert cleared out a wooded area on the farm, built a picnic table and held the first of many family reunions. Soon, church groups began requesting the use of the “park”  and eventually it turned into Reed’s Park.  

When the above-mentioned foursome were seeking a location on which to hold their first show, Earl Reed took them to see his brother, Hubert, about using his park. Of course it is proper to ask first, but Hubert was the type of person that when challenged with something (such as a horse show in his park) was already planning how to do it before your finished asking permission. A few years later, after the association had held its meetings in various places throughout the area, Hubert suggested building a log cabin in the park in which meetings could be held. Naturally, Hubert already had this “planned out” and before long he had bought a log house and barn that was converted into the most beautiful meeting place imaginable (along with many other organizations). Another portion of the show that had become very successful were the square dances (Friday and Saturday night). For several years a tent was rented under which to hold the dances. Again, Hubert saw room for improvement. He sawed down a few logs, visited the local saw mill, and a weekend was spent building a shelter house.  

What began as a picnic table in 1946 was a landmark for many years. The SODHA, as well as many other organizations, could never repay Hubert for what he had done. His generosity will never be forgotten.   
 

That was then, and today the thirty-fifth annual show will go on, September 17, 18, and 19, 2010, just as Hubert Reed had voiced his dream of “keeping it going”. The show will be held at the Highland County Fairgrounds in Hillsboro, Ohio. This is a family affair with over a hundred campsites, clean showers, a variety of food, and breathtaking entertainment. The excitement of seeing two to three hundred of the most beautiful horses all dressed up in their best to show. There will be a fabulous show of wagons and carts, as well as halter classes. On Friday night and Sunday morning, a display of these powerful horses will be seen during the Farm and Professional pulls. Also, a stick horse class is held on Sunday afternoon for your children to enjoy. Each child receives a trophy and ribbon for their participation. Please come and enjoy the excitement of one of the nation’s largest Draft Horse Shows.