The Ohio State Fair Edition:  I got to talk to Hayden Bryant. She has just won Grand Champion Market goat, and 3rd overall market lamb at the Ohio state fair.  We talked about her state fair journey, to that amazing hand shake at the end of it. The long hours and the people by her side!

“My name is Hayden Bryant, and I’m from Ashland, Ohio. I’ve been showing for a little over seven years now.  My 4H journey has had its ups and downs, but through it I’ve gained lifelong friendships and have learned lessons that will stay with me forever.”

“At the Ohio state fair I have been very fortunate to experience several highlights, including winning various showmanship titles in both the sheep and goat barn, placing 9th overall with a market goat, and most recently showing the grand champion market goat and the 3rd overall market lamb.  When I won my division, I started to realise we might have a chance to win this!  My goat is truly my best friend, and the bond we had built in and out of the ring made us irreplaceable as a team.  Heading into the overall drive, I tried to keep my focus, stay composed, and trust the work we had put in, even though I was extremely nervous.  

When I finally got the hand shake, my mind went blank. I was simply overwhelmed with gratitude for being in that moment.

This year would have not have been possible without the incredible people in my corner, My Dad, Jason, and Mr Shawn Sparks.  They worked so hard to find the best animals and make sure one of them ended  up in my hand.  My sisters Adadlyn, and Brylyn, were always in the barn with me putting in the hours and helping me every step of the way.  

And a huge thank you goes to Kamden Urben, he’s always been hard on me but I understand why.  Seeing his relentless work ethic has pushed me and shaped part of the person I am today.  

Beyond them, countless friends and family have supported me and my sisters, and I’m so thankful for each of them.   

If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this:

Make your dreams happen, for years I wanted this moment, but this was the first year I truly poured my heart and soul into my animals.   I was in the barn day in and day out rinsing legs, washing goats, and hand working them. My mindset going into the state fair was simple: if it’s meant to be then it will be. Everything happens as part of God’s plan so I kept my head down and put in the work.”