Harm And Tulley Event Center Hosts Buckle Series Finale

​On Saturday, the Harm and Tulley Event Center hosted the series finale of the belt buckle series shows. 

Exhibitors from around the region competed in April, May and June shows compiling their points for the Grand prize in each age division for the custom buckles. These young competitors had a challenge before them, with over 580 entries and 100 exhibitors, only one in each age division could be named Grand Champion. 

Contestants had a wide variety to earn their points by entering in halter classes to English pleasure to the timed events such as barrel racing. The top Point earners for the show series in the 16 and over age division Buckle Sponsored by Brunswick State Bank was Taylor Bolling of Clearwater, 11 to 15 age division Buckle Sponsored by Farmers and Merchants State Bank, Emily Ahlers of Clearwater, 10 and under Buckle Sponsored by Knox County Farm Bureau Federation, Maggie Robinson of Norfolk.

Sponsors for the Reserve Champion Awards are Bank of Hartington, Jerry’s Service, Farmers and Merchants Insurance, Commancheros 4-H Club and Greckel Farms.

Reserve Champion 16 over, Sadie Smutny of Meadow Grove. Reserve Champion 11 to 15, Jenna McDonald of Randolph. Reserve Champion 10 and under Ellie Foxhoven of Crofton.

These talent filled shows bring in competitors  both locally and from around the region making the Buckle series one of the highest competitive levels found in an Open Class Horse Show in the area. With generous sponsorship from local individuals and businesses in the area we are able to bring in top-caliber judges certified some in AQHA and NRHA events  to better serve the level of performance buy these young exhibitors.

 These shows not only serve as a showcase for young professionals to display their hard work with their horse project but as a practice event for the Nebraska 4-H Horse Expo. We have created a new class The District Challenge, never before seen in a show specifically designed to help these exhibitors at districts so that they may advance on to state. 

Due to the popularity of the district challenge, a new show has been added to the schedule on June 29. A pre-state show specifically centered around enhancing the performance of the exhibitors who will be going to Fonner Park to compete for the state title. Generous Sponsorship, Top-level Judges and many hours from Harm and Tulley Volunteers combined together in these series shows  provide for an exceptional learning environment as well as recreation for these young Showman. 
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Before any of these young showman get to roll into Fonner Park for the State Finals they must first qualify in their respective events and or pass a Level 2 or higher exam. The district or qualifying show will be held in Bloomfield on June 10 at the Harm and Tulley event center and will start at 9:00 a.m. Classes such as Horsemanship and Pleasure classes both English and Western discipline will be showcased, so be sure to stop by this free to spectators event and see some of these best riders Nebraska has to offer.