MADISON, Wis. (Thursday, April 21, 2022) –The Midwest Horse Fair® will be held April 22–24, 2022, at the Alliant Energy Center grounds in Madison for a weekend of action-packed equine entertainment and fun. This year’s theme of “Taking Flight” brings a double meaning: Horses will fly high at this year’s scheduled events, and the fair itself will take flight for the first time since 2019 — after COVID-19 forced its cancellation in 2020 and 2021.
“We’re thrilled to be back to hosting the Midwest Horse Fair for a fun weekend in Madison,” said fair Executive Director Megan Hanuszczak. “We know our horse-loving community is excited to return to the live entertainment, demonstrations, learning opportunities and other experiences they’ve been missing the last couple years.”
The Alliant Energy Center grounds will transform into horse headquarters for the weekend, with gates opening at 7 a.m. each day. The fair is fun and accessible to anyone, from those who are curious about horses and appreciate their beauty, to horse owners and riding competitors.
Highlights of the weekend include the Top Hand Showdown Competition, which features an electrifying display of cowboy skills: speed, accuracy, roping and precision. Horses and their handlers of all ages and backgrounds will compete for $5,000 in cash prizes and the ultimate title. This event, which takes place from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, is included with admission and does not require a separate ticket. Following that event on Sunday at 4 p.m. is the Ladies Breakaway Roping Competition, featuring quick-footed horses with high-powered breaks, and cowgirls with focus, grit and skill.
The PRCA Rodeo will again take place Friday and Saturday nights. Friday’s rodeo, for which tickets remain available, will feature the seven standard rodeo events: bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding. With world-class comedy and entertainment, thrills and spills, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Saturday night’s rodeo, which is sold out, will include a Mutton Busting competition. Also known as wool riding, youth ages 4 and up who weigh 55 pounds or less will ride a sheep and do their best to hold on for six seconds. Registration for this event is on site only beginning on Friday, April 22, and a parent or guardian must sign the consent form. Bull jumper Manu Lataste will be part of the rodeos as well.
New this year is the Stable Lane, the place to find local stables for riding, training and lessons; and some appearances by big names in the horse world, including RFD-TV personalities Chris Cox and Julie Goodnight, and U.S. Dressage Federation Hall of Famer Anne Gribbons. In the Celebrity Horse Aisle, fairgoers can meet Smokey, the horse who made the 3,500-kilometer trek from Alaska to Calgary with his then-owner, Filipe Masetti Leite; Paddyngton’s Mark of Distinction, a Multi World Champion Parade Horse; and King Crash Wimpy, an 18-year-old American Paint Horse who has been trick riding for most of his life.
World-class trainers, Olympians and equine experts will lead nearly 300 clinics, seminars and educational events throughout the weekend. Attendees will also enjoy breed and discipline demonstrations, activities in the Kids Korral, and pony and carriage rides. The Entertainment Stage will host live musical acts from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 3-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Shopping is available at nearly 500 vendor booths throughout the weekend.
Admission to the fair is $20 at the gate for a one-day pass, or $45 at the gate for a three-day pass. Free parking is included with admission, which is free for children ages 7 and under. Separate tickets are required for some events, including the PRCA Rodeo (only Friday tickets remain), and are available on TicketMaster.
For more information about the weekend, visit MidwestHorseFair.com, or like the fair’s Facebook page or follow the fair on Twitter (@MWHorseFair) for up-to-the-minute fair information.Attachments area
