PERRYSBURG – Since its founding in 1971, the Rough Riders 4-H Club has been a part of the lives of Sharon
Kahle and her sister, Sheila McMillen. They were charter members when it started with Kahle getting her
first horse at that time.
She said the original adviser, Melody Schweizer, helped teach the sisters all about riding and care of
horses. Just a few years later (1978-79) Kahle and McMillen took over the club and have been advisers
since. Their daughters are also advisers for the club which has more than 30 members currently and has
had as many as 45.
Kahle is now providing the same guidance she received for others, including Sarah Pagel, a 10-year old
who is in her third year in the club.
"It’s really a good experience being super competitive and learning jumping," Sarah said.
The home-schooled student enjoys both the jumping and horsemanship with her horse, Moon, a thoroughbred
mix.
"Being in 4-H has helped me work with him (Moon) and make him be a better horse," Sarah said.

Her mother, Kelly Pagel, also touts the virtues of the program. "This is a great way for kids to
learn in a non-competitive environment. It’s not so intense about just winning."
In addition to stabling some of the horses for the club at their Grassy Creek Farms, there are also
riding lessons offered to others. The club meets year round with monthly meetings in the winter and up
to twice a week during the spring and summer including work meetings and times spent training in both
the speed events and performance events. The farm works the riders with both English and Western riding
styles. Currently, the club is preparing for a May 10 horse show in Swanton. The "speed show"
will be held at 4 p.m. at the Harry Hughes Youth Equestrian Center.
Jonelle Nissen, a member of the Horses R Us 4-H club, explained the differences between English and
Western riding. She has done well in both disciplines at the Wood County Fair.
Nissen explained that English horses have big long strides; while Western riding horses’ strides are more
compact. There is also different ways to handle them including the tack used which involves more mouth
contact with the Eastern horses through the reins.
The Western saddle is also larger which spreads more weight across the horse’s back making it better for
farm work and ranch work.

Grassy Creek Farms is actually two farms in one, each of the sisters has their own barns and operation,
while cooperating in many of the business matters.
With all the horses, there is always plenty of work to be done in the barns.
"I get spoiled out here because everybody helps," Kahle said of the 4-H members and others.
Beyond just the work aspects, Kahle notes the way club members support one another as well as the support
clubs extend between other 4-H clubs.
"The sportsmanship really impresses me the most," Kahle said. "They will put aside the
competition and help each other when needed."
She noted countless incidents where people provided tack or other supplies, and in some cases the use of
one of their horses.
Over the years, members of the Rough Riders 4-H Club have received many honors. Kahle recalls just a
couple of years ago they had five members who qualified for the state finals and all five placed at that
event. She also remembers her daughters being in the top 10 in the state when they were younger.
Grassy Creek Farms is currently located at the edge of Perrysburg on the proposed site of the new Costco
store on Eckel Junction Road at Ohio Route 25.
If that project moves forward, Sharon Kahle, one of the owners, said they are looking at a move to a
possible location near Luckey.
"Until the money is in hand, we are just waiting. There are still a lot of things to be worked
out," she said.
She noted there has been various proposals for the property over the last 12 years, and so both she and
her sister, a co-owner, do not get too excited.
"We just don’t know anything, yet."
Regarding Costco officials, Kahle added, "They have been one of the nicest companies to work with.
They have been staying in contact with us."
If they do move, Kahle says they still plan on operating in the same manner just in a new location.
"We hope most of our clientele will be able to come with us. We’re looking forward to having new
barns if it all works out," Kahle said.
Wood County 4-H Horse clubs
This year there are 11 4-H clubs which focus on horses. Alphabetically, they are:
• All Tacked Up
• BG Midnight Riders
• Black Swamp Outlaws
• Buckeye Buckaroos
• Cactus Kids
• Horses R Us
• Lead, Feed & Speed
• Rough Riders
• Saddles & Surreys
• Sunset Saddlers
• Wood N Horses.
There is also the Wood County Horse Bowl team which includes members from various clubs. It is
coordinated through the OSU Extension Office.