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Midwest Horse Fair Top Hand Showdown
Entry form for the qualifier is live (scroll down)
Who is ready for an electrifying competition, which brings together, speed, accuracy, cowboy skills and a whole lot of thrills? Midwest Horse Fair is proud to present the 2022 Top Hand Showdown, a competition of grit, showcasing a range of speed, roping and precision, where one Cowboy and one cowgirl will be crowned the Top Hand based on competing in 5 skilled, timed events!
$5,000 in Cash Prizes!
Join us Sunday, April 24, 2022 in the Blain’s Farm & Fleet Coliseum for a captivating display of athletic horses skillfully guided by talented horsewomen and horsemen. Experience the fast-paced, exhilarating action first-hand and watch, at the edge of your seat, as 5 women and 5 men finalists compete for the title of Midwest Horse Fair’s Top Hand.
Interested in competing? Continue reading for competitor information and rules & regulations.
Events
Breakaway Roping
Pole Bending
Steer Stopping
Team Roping Heeling
Barrel Racing
Qualifier
Contestants must first compete in a qualifier on March 26, 2022 in Deerfield, WI at Showtime Arena. The top 5 Cowboys and the top 5 Cowgirls from the qualifier will advance to the Midwest Horse Fair Showdown Finals on April 24, 2022. Qualifier entries will be limited to the first 25 Cowboys and first 25 Cowgirls to enter. Entries will open on December 1, 2021.
Payout at qualifier is in each event and in the average based on entries.
Cash Prizes
Payout at qualifier is in each event and in the average based on entries.
Payout for the Finals for each Top Hand Cowboy and Top Hand Cowgirl as follows:
| 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place | 4th Place | 5th Place |
| $1,000 | $600 | $400 | $300 | $200 |
COMPETITION RULES
- Judge's decision is final
- Dress Code – Western attire, cowboy hat or helmet, boots
- Reruns – will be award at judges’ and producer’s decision
- Champions will be determined on the fastest average time from all 5 events. The top 5 average finishers in the qualifier will advance to Midwest Horse Fair clean slate shoot out. No entry for shoot out.
- The same horse and rider combination is required for all 5 events
- A contestant may enter more than 1 horse with another complete entry fee
- A horse may only compete for 1 rider
- Breakaway - The exhibitor shall use a regulation loop with the rope tied to the saddle horn by a piece of string in such a manner as to allow rope to be released from the horn when the calf reaches the end of the rope. The roper will be allowed a maximum of two loops and a 60 second time limit. Should the roper desire to use a second loop, they may recoil the rope and build the additional loop or may carry a second rope tied to the saddle to be used for the second loop. Must be a neck catch only. The field flagman shall rule on the legality of a catch. Time will stop when flagger drops the flag. No time is 75 seconds
- Pole Bending - Exhibitors will complete a course consisting of 6 poles spaced 21 feet apart, which horse and rider weave through. Each pole knocked down is a 5 second penalty. Broken pattern is 75 seconds.
- Steer Stopping – Roper calls for the steer behind a barrier, ropes it around the neck, slick horns, or half head. Once the catch is made, the contestant dally’s and stops the steer. Time is taken when dallied and the steer has changed direction. Steer does not have to be facing the horse. Two loops, 60 second time limit. No time is 75 seconds.
- Heeling – Roper may chose anyone to handle the head of the steer as head ropes will be put on in the chute. Header cannot turn the steer before the time barrel. No crossfire is allowed, steer must change directions before heeler can throw. The heeler gets 2 loops and 60 second time limit. Penalties - Roping only 1 leg is a 5 second penalty; 10 second penalty if the steer is turned before the barrel. No time is 75 seconds.
- Barrel Racing – Rider may go to the right or left barrel first and must make a cloverleaf pattern. Each tipped barrel is a 5 second penalty. Broken pattern is a no time which will result in a 75 second time.
HOW TO ENTER
- Entry form will be posted December 1, 2021
- The entry fee is $300, plus a $20 office fee
- Entry form must be printed, completed and mailed to Showtime Arena, ℅ Pam Bounds, 3845 Oak Park Road, Deerfield, WI 53531
- Entry must be accompanied by check payment for entry & office fee
- Entry is not considered complete and spots will not be held until payment is received
- Spots are limited to the first 25 Cowboys and the first 25 Cowgirls who submit entry form and fees
- Finalists will be emailed additional information regarding their participation
Click Here to Download the Top Hand Showdown Qualifier Entry Form
SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS
- Competitors will compete in the Qualifier on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Showtime Arena in Deerfield, WI. Qualifier starts at 9:30 a.m.
- Horses who qualify for the Top Hand Showdown Finals are required to arrive at Midwest Horse Fair on Sunday, April 24, 2022 using the OLIN AVENUE ENTRANCE. A time window for arrival will be sent to finalists closer to the event date.
- Midwest Horse Fair Top Hand Showdown will be held Sunday, April 24, 2022
- Special schedule accommodations can not be made for those wishing to participate in other areas of Midwest Horse Fair
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Midwest Horse Fair Top Hand Showdown Finals 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 of the event and 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 event if you are coming from a state other than Wisconsin or Minnesota
QUESTIONS
- Questions regarding competing in the Midwest Horse Fair Top Hand Showdown should be directed to Showtime Arena: 608-692-5050, showtimearena@gmail.com, www.ShowtimeArena.com
- All other questions regarding the Midwest Horse Fair may be directed to info@midwesthorsefair.com or 920-623-5515.
