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The Application for the Liberty Run opens July 1.
The Midwest Horse Fair is constantly striving to provide quality entertainment opportunities to both horse owners and those who just love horses. The Liberty Run is a wonderful way to share not only the beauty and grace of the horse, but also showcase the fun, free spirit of each individual equine. This is a great opportunity to spotlight your magnificent horse, its breed and talents with Midwest Horse Fair attendees.
Each day horses are individually turned loose in the Blain's Farm & Fleet Coliseum. Each horse has up to two minutes, based on their comfort level and performance, to strut their stuff and be cheered by the adoring crowd.
Some horses may take off galloping at full speed, others may buck, rear and toss their heads to test out their freedom, while others may show off by moving through their various gaits.
All of this is performed without a halter, bridle or saddle. As soon as the halter is removed, music will begin to play and the horse will run free, moved by the beat of the song. A whip may be used to encourage the horse, but the handler may not touch the horse during the performance. Music is carefully selected to enhance the performance and is chosen to suit the style, movement and personality of each horse.
Liberty means freedom and this is just what every horse loves to show off during the Liberty Run presentations.
Video Requirements
- Applicants who did not participate in Liberty at the previous year's Midwest Horse Fair are required to submit video.
- Video must be less than three minutes.
- Video must be provided through an online link such as YouTube or Vimeo. Remember to check that your privacy settings allow outside viewers.
- Show your horse alone, at will, free of tack, and without a lunge line
- Film your horse in an arena. Pastures and round pens are less than ideal settings especially if other horses are present.
KEY INFORMATION
- A video is required with application for consideration
- The quality and content of the video is the sole criteria used to determine how Liberty Run horses are selected.
- A Midwest Horse Fair committee will choose 15 horses (5 per day) for the Liberty Presentations.
- Selected horses should comply with breed standards for the horse’s appearance. They must be in “show” condition, kept clean, clipped per breed standards, and the hooves should be trimmed or shod. The Midwest Horse Fair reserves the right to reject Liberty horses who arrive on the grounds in poor condition (ex. thin with ribs showing, shaggy and/or unhealthy coat, lameness, hooves not maintained.)
- Horses chosen for Liberty will be shown in the Coliseum for up to two minutes.
- Horses must be free of tack, equipment and costuming. Splint boots, leg wraps and bell boots are permitted.
- Props are not allowed.
- No more than three appropriately dressed handlers may accompany horses in the arena. (i.e. one in the middle and two at the gates)
- Appliances other than unmodified whips are not permitted. Plastic may not be attached to whips.
- Horses can be caught in the catch pen adjacent to the arena entrance.
- MUSIC REQUIREMENT: If selected, music must be submitted digitally to the Midwest Horse Fair office no later than March 24. If music is not received by the deadline, it may be chosen for you. Song tracks should be in MP3 format. Music containing foul, vulgar, or suggestive language will not be accepted. Selected participants will receive more information on how to submit their music.
General Information
- Horses are required to arrive at the Midwest Horse Fair on Thursday between 8:00 am – 9:00 pm and will not be permitted to leave until 5:00 pm Sunday, after the completion of the Fair.
- Selected Participants not already participating in another area of the Fair with the same horse, will be required to pay a stall fee. Two 3-day wristbands will be included with the stall fee.
- It is the policy of the Midwest Horse Fair that if a scheduling conflict arises due to participation in multiple events, you or your group member must choose which event to attend. Special accommodations and refunds cannot be granted. Those who cancel last minute (within two weeks of the fair) and/or due to scheduling conflicts are less likely to be selected as participants in future Midwest Horse Fair events. Participants should apply for no more than two events.
- All equine animals entering the grounds for MHF must have the following documentation:
- Original and a copy of the laboratory report of a negative equine infectious anemia (EIA) test conducted within one year of the last day of MHF.
- Original and a copy of the certificate of veterinary inspection issued within 30 days of the last day of MHF if you are coming from a state other than Wisconsin or Minnesota.
- Additional information will be emailed to selected participants by March 15.
