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Horses + Dogs + People + Food,  outside in a beautiful field in Fall = the best day of the year besides maybe your birthday.

 

The Tailgate competition at the Camargo Hunter Trials is fun and open to everyone.  It's the only amateur food competition in Cincinnati - as far as we know, and it's held in a gorgeous field in the fall around a horse show.

 

To compete, click here to purchase a course sponsorship and park " On The Ropes" in your reserved spot. The Judges are friendly real chefs, AND there are ribbons to be won! Enter your best dish, beverage...or two. Do an amazing presentation, or just bring a blanket to sit on. Groups are welcome too; your favorite neighbors, church group, extended family, your business buddies...

 

There are many categories to win a ribbon. Judges begin around noon and eat until they're done. The winners are announced around 3 PM when ribbons are awarded.

 

General admission & field parking is only $10 per carload, so invite everyone! They can come hang out on the ropes at your tailgate.

 

There will be at least one food truck and a VIP tent if you just want to hang out with food and an open bar all day.  

 

 

 

  • What are Hunter Trials?
    Hunter Trials were originally created to test the stamina, level headedness, and bravery of hunt horses and riders in an organized equestrian event designed to simulate the terrain and conditions found in the typical hunt field. Unlike stadium jumping shows, the addition of the "handy hunter" class tests the horse and rider's ability to trot a log, open and close a gate while mounted, jump several fences, and for the rider to dismount and remount. The horse is judged on its manners, way of going, as well as its suitability as a field (fox) hunter. In today's Camargo Hunter Trials, we have the large "Outside" ring to enjoy the horse action. Horse and riders jump logs, stone walls, and post and rail fences ranging from 2'6" to 3' 6". The "small" ring allows young riders to experience the thrills of the glorious outdoor venue while jumping more traditional type jumps. Spectators and tailgaters line the ropes around the large ring.
  • How do I compete in the Tailgating Competition?
    "Sponsorship" is required to compete in the tailgating competition. Sponsorship levels begin at $75 and include premium parking/tailgating spots in the front row around the large ring "On The Ropes." You'll have a great view of the riders and horses and all the jumps. CLICK HERE to purchase a sponsorship. General Admission is $10 per CARLOAD. Friends and family can pay at the gate, park and come hang out at your tailgate.
  • Where & When?
    Where? Clippinger Field in Indian Hill, Ohio. See map above. When? Saturday, October 7, 2017 Gates open at 7 a.m. Judging usually begins around noon and starts near the Large Ring entry gate. See map below this FAQ. This is a grass field and has been used for this event for decades, but be aware you will be driving on grass.
  • Do I have to compete?
    No, but it's more fun if you do. You can tailgate anywhere, but if you want a parking spot on the ropes, and want to compete, you must be a course sponsor.
  • Is it like football tailgating?
    Yes: You bring food to the field, and eat it outside, or in your car, or a tent or whatever you bring to the field. No: It's not football - It's a horse show in a field with Cross-Country jumping and it's much easier to get a front row seat.
  • How is the Tailgate Competition judged?
    The judges start at the gate to the large ring in the Judges Golf Cart at around noon and work their way around the ropes. They will taste up to TWO dishes/beverages from each tailgate and take notes. After all the tailgates have been visited, our judges go off and discuss all their favorite bites, sips and memories. There are ribbons for many categories so all angles are explored. We try to finish and award ribbons by 3. That's the goal, anyway.
  • What are the judging categories?
    2017 RIBBONS Grand Champion, Best Tailgate Design, Best Main Dish, Best Appetizer, Best Dessert, Dessert - Runner up, Best Beverage, Best Wine, Best Tailgate Party, Best Tailgate Hospitality, Wild Card.
  • Is it fancy?
    That's completely up to you. Many tailgaters bring just a blanket and a few chairs to sit on it and eat. Some folks have gone all out and brought antique tables, crystal, china, silver, and candelabras. We've had a u-haul and a big screen tv, tents, and one year there was a boat! Extra points for creativity.
  • How much food do I have to cook?
    Bring enough for yourselves and the judges. There will be 4 this year! Beyond that....While it's not required, you are certainly welcome to share with the hungry looking strangers who are lurking around your tailgate.
  • What facilities are available in the field?
    Lots of grass, trash cans, and a few port-a-lets. There are also paramedics close by.
  • Can I bring my dog?
    Yes! - and poop bags, please. All dogs must be on a leash at all times.
  • Are there any rules?
    Store-bought or catering is strongly discouraged. The judges only want your creations. That's about it.
Here's a map of the field!
Click on it for a larger image
fieldmap
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