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Midwest Horse Fair Mountain Trail Challenge
*The Application is now closed. All classes are full.
Are you ready for a riveting competition, which brings together thrilling obstacles, precision riding, great partnerships and a whole lot of excitement? Midwest Horse Fair, in partnership with the International Mountain Trail Challenge Association, is proud to present the 2020 Mountain Trail Challenge, a competition pairing versatility and finesse with horse and handlers of all ages, levels and backgrounds.
$15,000+ in Cash Prizes!
Join us Sunday, April 19, 2020 in the Blain’s Farm & Fleet Coliseum for an action-packed day where talented horses and skilled handlers realize their true partnerships through trust and challenge. Experience the fun first hand as 50 competitors navigate an obstacle course filled with natural, manmade and extreme obstacle challenges while vying for their stake in more than $15,000 in cash prizes!
Interested in competing? Continue reading for competitor information, class options and links to rules and regulations.
Cash Prizes
| Classes | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place |
| In-Hand Pony | $1300 | $900 | $520 |
| In-Hand Horse | $1300 | $900 | $520 |
| Level One | $1300 | $900 | $520 |
| Level Two | $1300 | $900 | $520 |
| Level Three | $1300 | $900 | $520 |
Additional Prize Categories
Blain's Farm & Fleet has generously sponsored the prize money for the Gambler's Choice and Youth prize categories. Winners in these categories will receive their cash prize in the form of a Blain's Farm & Fleet gift card, good for any of their 42 locations across the midwest!
| 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place | |
| Gambler's Choice (Optional Add-on for Level 2 or 3 competitors only, additional competition fee applies to enter) | $500 | $300 | $100 |
| Youth (All Youth will be automatically entered into this additional prize division) | $300 | $150 | $50 |
*Additionally, ribbons will be provided for placings 1st - 10th in all classes and categories.
GENERAL COMPETITION INFORMATION
- The competition is sanctioned by the International Mountain Trail Challenge Association (IMTCA)
- IMTCA membership is highly recommended but not required to compete in this challenge. As an IMTCA sanctioned event, IMTCA members will be eligible for collecting points for year end awards, receive a bi-monthly eNewsletter with training tips, and receive official obstacle building plans (upon request from IMTCA)
- All breeds are welcome to apply
- Both English and Western riders are welcome to apply
- The challenge offers in-hand and ridden classes
- Each competitor may enter only one class
- Each competitor may enter only one horse
- If after the entry deadline slots are still available, confirmed competitors will be offered the option of entering a second horse and/or second class.
EXPLANATION OF CLASSES
- In-Hand Pony - This is defined as a horse 13-hands and under. This is defined as a class where the handler leads the horse from the ground with a halter.
- In-Hand Horse - This is defined as a class where the handler leads the horse from the ground with a halter.
- Level 1 –This is considered a new Partnership. Obstacles should be easy to explain to the team: basic maneuver or technique needed to complete the obstacle. The course will be at the flat-footed walk.
- Level 2 –This is considered an established Partnership. The rider and Horse are familiar with one another, exhibit trust when negotiating obstacles and are conditioned to ride a longer Course. May include some jog, trot, running walk, gait, or intermediate gait up to and between obstacles, forward ground covering is encouraged; 180, 270 or 360 degree turns on certain obstacles.
- Level 3 –This is considered a Partnership where Horse and rider have established trust, can negotiate difficult obstacles and are conditioned to travel a longer Course. May include some canter or lope up to and between obstacles; 180, 270 or 360 degree turns on certain obstacles.
GAMBLERS CHOICE
The rules are different. You have 2 minutes to show your skills. Safely navigating the obstacles is all that counts. However, if a horse steps out with just one foot the obstacle does not count for a score. Each obstacle has a value which is given when show starts. You must be across the finish line before the 2 minutes are up or the last obstacle score does not count. Gamblers Choice is an optional add-on for Level 2 or 3 class competitors only; additional competition fee applies to enter.
OBJECTIVES & JUDGING
- The competition will follow the Official Rules and Regulations of the International Mountain Trail Challenge Association
- While class judging will follow IMTCA specifications, the competition is overseen by Midwest Horse Fair, which will independently dictate overall competition rules
- Judges decisions are final
- Course, obstacles and patterns are subject to change
HOW TO APPLY
- Application will open December 11, 2019 at noon.
- Application must be accompanied by a non-refundable payment
- Application is not considered complete and spots will not be held until payment is received
- Please read the following requirements and complete the application below once available
- Deadline to enter is January 24 or when sold out
- Applicants will be emailed additional information regarding their participation by March 15, 2020
SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS
- Horses are required to arrive at Midwest Horse Fair on Thursday between 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Horses must remain on the grounds until 5:00 p.m. Sunday
- Midwest Horse Fair Mountain Trail Challenge will be held all day Sunday, April 19, 2020
- Special schedule accommodations can not be made for those wishing to participate in other areas of Midwest Horse Fair
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- The entry fee is $200 for each of the following classes: In-Hand Pony, In-Hand Horse, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Gambler's Choice entry is an additional $100 fee.
- Competitors not already participating in another area of the Fair with the same horse, will receive one stall and one 3-day wristband. The competition fee will be charged regardless of any other participation at the event. If participating with the same horse in any other event, the stall and weekend admission will not be included.
- Midwest Horse Fair Mountain Trail Challenge will be held in a crowded setting. Opportunities to warm up in the actual arena may not be available. Do not enter if you and/or your equine cannot safely function in such a setting.
- Please be advised that if submitting your photos, you give Midwest Horse Fair permission to use on website, social media, email, official program or any other means of promotion
- All participants must adhere to the Midwest Horse Fair Code of Conduct
- 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 must choose which event to attend. Special accommodations and refunds cannot not 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.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
- Health Requirements: All equines entering the grounds must have the following documentation:
- Original and a copy of the laboratory report of a negative equine infectious anemia (EIA) test conducted within the 12 months prior to the last day of MHF 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 of the last day of MHF if you are coming from a state other than Wisconsin or Minnesota
QUESTIONS
- Questions regarding IMTCA Rules & Regulations, judging and scoring should be directed to the IMTCA at IMTCA.info@gmail.com
- All other questions directly regarding the Midwest Horse Fair may be directed to info@midwesthorsefair.com or 920-623-5515.
COURSE MAP PATTERNS
RESOURCES
APPLICATION
At this time all spots in the competition are full, however, we are still accepting a limited number of entries for the waitlist for the In-hand Pony class. Waitlist applicants will be noticed on a first-come, first-serve basis if a cancellation should occur.
