The Ashland County Paint and Plain Saddle Club has a rich history dating back to at least 1936, when the Ashland Riding Club sponsored a major horse show at the county fairgrounds. While records from the following years are sparse, local memories and newspaper clippings reveal that the Paint and Plain Saddle Club emerged in the mid-1940s, hosting large, popular horse shows and rodeos that attracted hundreds of horses and thousands of spectators from Ohio and beyond. These events featured a variety of competitions, including musical chairs, barrel races, and steer riding, and were significant social and sporting occasions in the community.

Over the decades, many dedicated Ashland residents have contributed to the club’s longevity and success, maintaining its status as a respected equestrian organization. Today, the club continues to thrive, hosting multiple annual shows at the fairgrounds coliseum that draw exhibitors of all ages competing for prizes and awards. The club’s enduring presence highlights the deep-rooted local passion for horses and equestrian sports in Ashland County.