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"Thrill of the Drill” Team Invitational Competition
Sunday, April 19, 2026 in the Blain's Farm & Fleet Coliseum starting at 1:00 pm
The Midwest Horse Fair "Thrill of the Drill" Team Invitational Competition is where speed, synchronization, and showmanship come together in perfect harmony!
Watch as talented riders and their horses perform high-energy, choreographed routines to music—showcasing teamwork, timing, and true horsemanship.
Up to 10 top teams from across the country will compete for $3,500 in cash and prizes in a fast-paced display of unity and skill. Whether you’re a horse enthusiast or simply love live entertainment, this is an unforgettable event for all ages!
What is the Midwest Horse Fair "Thrill of the Drill" Team Invitational Competition?
- Midwest Horse Fair is proud to invite some of the best drill teams in the country to compete for prizes on Sunday April 19, 2026 in the Blain’s Farm and Fleet Coliseum.
Prizes
- 1st: $2000 in Cash, Buckles, and prizes
- 2nd: $1000 in Cash, $100 Blain's Farm and Fleet Gift Card
- 3rd: $500 in Cash, $50 Blain's Farm and Fleet Gift Card
Scoring and Judging
- Three judges will score each team and scores will be combined to determine placings. The Judges’ determination is final.
- Judging categories will include Horsemanship, The Drill, Appearance, Audience Appeal, and overall time not to exceed 8 minutes (see score sheet for details).
- Audience appeal will plan to be gathered from a survey that audience members can fill out during the competition.
- Wayne Williams from Speaking of Horses will be working with Midwest Horse Fair to coordinate this event.
How to Apply
- All teams are invited to apply with up to 10 teams selected by the Midwest Horse Fair competition selection committee based on video submissions.
- Fill out application below and include a video by the deadline of September 30th, 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
- Submitted videos will be reviewed by the Midwest Horse Fair competition committee based on the same criteria that will be used for judging the competition.
- Up to 10 teams will be chosen to compete at Midwest Horse Fair 2026 and be informed of their acceptance by the end of October.
- The $100 entry fee per team will be due upon acceptance into the competition. The fees are non-refundable.
Important Information
- Submission of application and video does not guarantee you acceptance into the competition.
- Music is required and selected by drill teams to be submitted online by March 1st.
- All routines are free style developed by the competing teams.
- The performance time is limited to 8 minutes maximum.
- Additional bios and videos will be requested after acceptance for social media and website use to advertise for the competition.
- Order of go will be determined by the Midwest Horse Fair competition committee.
- The competition will be held in a crowded public setting and opportunities to warm up in the actual arena may not be available. Please do not apply if your team cannot safely function in such a setting.
- All participants must adhere to the Midwest Horse Fair Code of Conduct.
- Accepted teams will have the following two options:
- Option 1: Participate in the Breed & Discipline demonstrations by completing the MHF Breed & Discipline Demonstration Application as a team. Teams selected to also be part of the Breed & Discipline Demonstrations will be required to pay appropriate stall fees and follow ALL Breed & Discipline Demonstration Rules & Regulations, including arriving on Thursday, April 16 and staying through 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19.
- Option 2: Arrive on Sunday morning of the Midwest Horse Fair by 7:00 a.m. with appropriate horse paperwork and can leave when competition is completed.
- Competitions are subject to change at the discretion of event management.
- 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.
- Safety Rules: Safety is very important to Midwest Horse Fair. If a hazard appears in the arena that makes it unsafe to continue a time out will be issued. A time out will pause the music and routine for the safety issue to be addressed. Once it is addressed the team can re-group and the routine will resume where it left off. Scoring will be paused during the time out but it is up to the Judges’ discretion to remove points for any faults caused by the drill team themselves leading up to the safety event. After the time out judging will resume based on performance as if a time out did not occur. Some safety hazards may include but are not limited to horse falling, rider falling, two or more horses colliding, tack breakage, or medical emergency.
- Disqualification: a team will be disqualified if at any point a team member leaves the arena and attempts to return to the arena. If a medical emergency occurs or a horse/rider is unable to continue the drill a time out will be issued and the rider can be excused. The team may then continue without that rider to complete their routine.
- Health Requirements:
- Original and copy of the laboratory report of a negative equine infectious anemia (EIA) test conducted within the 12 months prior to import (after April 16, 2025) which clearly identifies the equine animal by registration number, lip tattoo, or a complete description of the equine animal.
- Original and a copy of the certificate of veterinary inspection issued within 30 days (after March 16, 2026) of Midwest Horse Fair if you are coming from a state other than Wisconsin or Minnesota.
Questions: Email: tickets@midwesthorsefair.com | Phone: 920.623.5515
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