Script Requirements | Midwest Horse Fair

MHF logo

In an effort to maintain the integrity of the breed and discipline demonstrations and ensure that groups are represented in an educational and entertaining manner, please implement these script and demonstration requirements.

SCRIPT & DEMONSTRATION REQUIREMENTS

Scripts are due by March 15
Scripts must be typed and are limited to three (3) double-spaced pages at 14 pt. Arial font with 1” margins. If script exceeds this limit, it will be edited.
Pre-recorded scripts will not be accepted. Utilizing a separate announcer is not allowed.
Mailed, faxed, or handwritten scripts will not be accepted.
Timing is of strict importance. To keep the schedule on time, demos are limited to 10 minutes.
Demonstrations may not be used to promote stallions, farms, or any type of sales or other commercial activities. As dictated by the Midwest Horse Fair Code of Conduct, a $250 advertising fee will be charged for each occurrence. Scripts should focus on education.
Focus should be on breed or discipline rather than on the individuals who own or ride the horse. Mention about the organization and recognition of the horses and/or riders will be allowed at the end of the program if time allows.
To aid the production team in the execution of your script and music timing, please use the following color codes for script notes:
- Note music cues in GREEN: i.e. “(Play track 1 when 2nd horse enters the arena)”
- Phonetic spelling in BLUE: i.e. “tobiano (toe-bee-yah-no)”
- Insert Instructions in RED: i.e. “(Pause. Start reading again when track 2 begins)”
It is not required that the theme be incorporated into your script or demonstration, but we still encourage groups to do so if they choose.
Out of respect, please refrain from incorporating flag presentations or the National Anthem into your demonstration unless pre-approval from the Midwest Horse Fair has been granted.
No changes or substitutions of the script will be permitted at the event.
Please remind group members that taking photographs or video recordings from within the show ring is not permitted.
A copywriter will review scripts and reserves the right to edit scripts at their discretion in regards to length and grammar. Scripts that are edited will be returned to the Breed Coordinator for final approval.
If scripts are not submitted by March 15, the announcer will read generic copy from our website about your group and music will be selected by an advisory group.
Breed Coordinators should email the script as an attachment in word document form to horses@midwesthorsefair.com

SCRIPT & PLANNING TIPS

Let the music be your guide. Base choreographed cues off the music rather than the script. While the announcer’s speed may vary in comparison to how you rehearsed the script, music will always be consistent.
EXAMPLE: When planning your demonstration, cue the second group of riders to enter the arena when track 2 begins rather than cueing from a specific sentence in the script.
When noting cues in your script, use descriptions instead of names. The production team will not know your individual members or horses by name, but if you describe them by horse color, costume, or other descriptive feature, your cues are more likely to be understood and executed.
Before the event, decide on an exit strategy for an organized and polished finish to your demo.
Implement color-coded cues in key areas of your script to aid the production team.
Scripts do not need to be 10 minutes in length.
- EXAMPLE: Break your script into 3 or 4 short sections. Note cues for the announcer to begin section 1 when music track 1 begins, pause, and start reading section 2 when music track two begins, etc. This will space out your script over the 10 minute demo.
- At the end of your 3-page script, there may be time left over, THAT’S OKAY! Put a note in your script to let the announcer & audience know the presentation is not over. EXAMPLE: “Now, Sit back, relax, and enjoy the rest of the performance!”
- Consider just touching on the most important facts and qualities of your breed or discipline, then encourage the audience to visit you at your stalls for more information.
- Just because your script is over, does not mean you have to exit the arena if you are still within your 10-minute allowance! Just let the announcer know how to proceed.
- EXAMPLE CUE: “Horses will exit the arena when music track 3 ends, as we exit, please read: To learn more, please visit these beautiful horses in Pavilion Two”.

MUSIC TIPS

Know your music! If you know the length of each song and the combined total time, you will be able to gauge your remaining time throughout the performance. If your script reads quick, you will know that your group may continue to perform for the duration of your music. Determine a point in your music which will be a signal to begin implementing your exit strategy.
Let key points in the music be your performance cues. The music will always time-out consistently.
Use separate tracks for each song. Separate tracks allow the sound specialist and announcer to coordinate timing more effectively.
Select music without lyrics to let your script really shine.

Should you have questions regarding script requirements, please contact your Group Coordinator. If your coordinator is unsure, they may call 920-623-5515 or email