An overhead look courtesy of a drone at the Garwood Arena during an event at the Fairfield Township complex. The arena attraction has been an economic boom for the city of Columbiana and area businesses. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

COLUMBIANA — Justin Garwood may not have seen any cattle born at his 20,000-square-foot calving barn eight years ago; however, it ultimately gave birth to something literally much bigger.

Garwood, who had owned Garwood Cattle Company and now owns and operates the Garwood Arena, constructed the building in 2017 and someone wanted to rent it for an event.

Eight years later, he added some additional buildings and grew it in to one of Ohio’s premier equestrian and rodeo venues.

Located in Fairfield Township, Garwood Arena hosts a variety of authentic Western events, including bull riding, barrel racing as well as steer wrestling.

Family friendly, the arena also periodically hosts youth rodeo events and activities for children.

A variety of horse breeds and equestrian disciplines utilize Garwood Arena for the events year round.

In addition to the massive indoor dirt arena, the complex also includes the Garwood Grill restaurant and the G3 supply store, where you can pick up those last minute equine supplies or even the latest arena swag.

As Garwood explains, the facility is rented by outside entities throughout the summer. He handles the logistics and schedules the arena’s in-house events, which include youth rodeos and benefits throughout the winter months.

Originally that calving barn was 7.5 acres. In 2025, the facility has 634 horse stalls for the family’s personal mounts as well as horse visiting for events.

Garwood said that outside boarding is not available at their facility.

A popular draw from all over North America, the arena’s visitors do bring valuable tourism revenue to not only Fairfield Township but the city of Columbiana and the rest of the county, Garwood said.

“We have a good following, and our events continually draw,” he explained.

Two of the arena’s largest sponsors are Leonard Trucking of North Jackson and Johnny’s Excavating out of North Georgetown, which both sponsor equine events at the facility themselves.

Garwood Arena will hold its inaugural County Christmas vendor event on Saturday, Dec. 6, which he anticipates to be hugely popular based on the interest already expressed.

More information can be learned about all their upcoming events either through their website at garwoodarena.com or following their Facebook page.

Garwood Arena is located at 2538 Middleton Road in Columbiana. For more information, call 330-717-4329.

sujhelyi@mojonews.com

Rustic charm is part of the what makes Garwood Arena special. However, among the amenities next to the ticket window is an ATM as purchase of event tickets is cash only. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)