Mane Event Horse Show Includes Enhancements of Illinois State Fairgrounds Show Facility and Continuous Hospitality

Mid-America Horse Show Association (MAHSA) announced enhancements for the newly enclosed Illinois State facility in Springfield, Illinois that will be home for the 2017 Mane Event Horse Show among other details for the horse show. The Mane Event takes place October 19 through 22.

“MAHSA has been in continuous communication with the Illinois State Fairgrounds for the majority of this show season and we are very pleased with the results that will be debuted at the 2017 Mane Event horse show,” Connie MacQueen, MAHSA president, said. “The process began several months ago holding conversations with trainers, exhibitors and spectators who had participated in horse shows at the Fairgrounds to learn what they thought was working well and what they thought might be improved.”

The south rail of the ring is being moved to create an area for trainers to coach their riders along that rail of the ring. This modification has been carefully calculated for the ring to remain adequately wide. This modification will also provide space for box seating with tables and chairs offering improved ring visibility for spectators. Additionally, pedestrian gates are being added along the north and south rails of the ring. Guide rails are also being added outside the arena by the in-gate, making it easier for riders to make their entrance into the ring.

“Trainers, exhibitors and spectators challenged us to provide an improved horse show atmosphere in the newly enclosed arena,” Stephanie Peterson, show manager for Mane Event, said. “We are planning to win that challenge and are implementing long-thought out plans to dress up and brighten the arena and ring to provide the a show experience that trainers, exhibitors and spectators had come to expect at Mane Event and worthy of hosting The Good Hands Finals”.

The 2017 Mane Event will also debut the first MAHSA Caretaker’s Award to recognize the hard work of the Caretakers who groom and care for the horses throughout the year. Additional details and the nomination form for this award can be found on the MAHSA website, www.midamericahorseshow.org. Nominations for the Caretaker’s Award must be received by October 10.

Again this year, Mane Event will host The Good Hands Finals. “We are prepared to welcome ALL Junior Exhibitor and Adult riders who have qualified for The Good Hands Finals 2017," said Sharon Gardner, MAHSA committee chair for The Good Hands Finals. "Trophies, ribbons, food and fun are all set for the Mane Event horse show.”

Hospitality events promise to be highlights of the show, The Good Hands Finals party, “Celebration of Champions”, sponsored by National Horseman, takes place on Friday evening. An Exhibitors Party will take place on Saturday night. Additionally, a Thank You Pizza Party sponsored by Northern Tradition Farm coincides with the conclusion of the show on Sunday. For all of these parties, all exhibitors and trainers are invited and welcome! Coffee and treats will also be available for everyone each day outside of the show office.

For additional information and up-to-date details on Mane Event 2017 visit the MAHSA website and MAHSA Facebook.

About Mid-America Horse Show Association

Mid-America Horse Show Association, incorporated in 1939, is a 501(c)(7) non-profit organization pledged to providing an environment for members to fully realize and enjoy their involvement with American Saddlebred horses, Hackney ponies and Roadsters through competitions, education and other equine related activities. Mid-America is one of the largest charter clubs of the American Saddlebred Horse Association with members who are owners, trainers, exhibitors and admirers of these horses and ponies, as well as riders of Saddle Seat Equitation. The organization produces three shows a year and oversees a regional circuit of 25 affiliated A, A/B and B rated shows in Illinois and surrounding states where members earn points toward year-end awards. Mid-America is a charter member of the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) and is affiliated with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the Horsemen's Council of Illinois, and supports the American Saddlebred Museum.

About The Good Hands

The Good Hands is the oldest saddle seat equitation championship in the United States with its first championship being held in 1929. In 2015, Mid-America Horse Show Association purchased the competition and became the proud owner of The Good Hands. The Good Hands National Finals is held annually at the Mane Event Horse Show.