By 1808Delaware
An evening to remember is trotting our way this fall—one that celebrates not just the animals that helped shape Delaware County’s identity, but the people who trained, bred, and loved them.
On September 4 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, the Barn at Stratford will come alive with stories, images, and voices from the equestrian past. Titled “The Horse World in Delaware County, 1940–2000,” this gathering is more than a lecture—it’s a tribute to the region’s deep-rooted equine legacy.
A Gallery of Glory: The Evening Begins
From 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, guests are invited to explore an equine posters and art exhibit, offering a vivid visual dive into the many roles horses have played across six decades in Delaware County. This showcase invites attendees to browse memorabilia, vintage prints, and educational materials that bring the era to life.
Stories from the Saddle
As the clock strikes 7:00 PM, the focus shifts to the voices of those who lived the stories. A lineup of speakers with personal ties to Delaware County’s equine world will take the mic:
- Walter Murphy, renowned Saddlebred trainer
- Bob Murphy, whose name is synonymous with the local equine scene
- Pat Cashman, representing the well-known Cashman family and their horses
- Marilyn Evans Fogle, sharing heartfelt tales about 4-H horses and youth
- Diane Winters, who will speak on the people she met “through horses”
Guiding the conversation is Margaret Duber Snyder, serving as moderator for this journey through time.
Why It Matters
The event celebrates a vast cross-section of horse culture—from show rings and farm lanes to youth development and family traditions. It’s about the diversity of breeds, the determination of breeders and trainers, the discipline of riders and drivers, and the professions that supported this thriving local industry.
For those unable to attend in person, a livestream will be available to watch from home. While the event is free, registration is required through the Delaware County Historical Society’s Eventbrite page, and seating is limited.
An Evening Under the Rafters
Set within the historic walls of the Barn at Stratford (2690 Stratford Road, Delaware), this event is both a celebration and a preservation of memory—offering newcomers and long-time residents alike a chance to rediscover the vital role horses have played in shaping local life.
Supported by the Charles and Betty J. Sheets Family Donor Advised Fund through the Delaware County Foundation, along with Ohio Arts Council, Farm Bureau, Delaware County, and Willow Brook, this evening promises to be heartfelt, informative, and community-centered.
Whether you grew up mucking stalls or just admire horses from afar, “The Horse World in Delaware County” is a chance to connect past and present, hoofbeat by hoofbeat.
