where
Madison, Wisconsin

what
Midwest Horse Fair

when
April 17-19, 2020

Midwest’s Best
In its 41 year in existence, the Midwest Horse Fair (midwesthorsefair.com) is a three-day equine extravaganza in the center of America’s heartland, with clinics, lectures, horse judging, a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association two-day rodeo, and more. Its breed and discipline demonstrations allow visitors to expand their equine horizons, and its Stallion Avenue showcases leading producers across all breeds. If learning more about the horse is your top priority, this is the trip for you. One-day passes are $15, and three-day passes are $35, available through the event’s website. 

Courtesy of The Midwest Horse Fair

The Facts: 700 | The number of horses on the grounds for competitions and demonstrations.

Clinicians like Chris Cox (chris-cox.com) and Julie Goodnight (juliegoodnight.com), National Finals Rodeo barrel racer Tammy Fischer (tammyfischerbarrelhorses.com), and AQHA trainer Clint Ainsworth will provide eye-opening lessons in horsemanship, while two evening PRCA rodeos totaling 8,000 attendees each night sell out.

New in 2020, in partnership with the International Mountain Trail Challenge Association (imtca.org), the Midwest Horse Fair will host a Mountain Trail Challenge on Sunday, April 19. The competition will highlight 50 talented equestrians over three different levels, competing for $15,000 in cash prizes. They will tackle extreme obstacles, such as suspension bridges, teeter totters, balance beams, and more. 

Don’t Miss This

shop.
Stock up on any of your equine-and ag-related supplies and apparel in the 1. Exhibition Hall. If trailer shopping is on the agenda, shop a wide variety on 2. Trailer Avenue.

watch.
For something different, check out the 3. World Champion Blacksmith competition, which finishes with a live shoeing class. 4. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, watch as horses are turned loose in the Blain’s Farm & Fleet Coliseum for the popular Liberty Presentation.

do.
Located in the front of Pavilion One, the 5. Kids Korral is a place to take kids to learn horse-care basics, and the first 1,000 there will receive a coloring book courtesy of Gary’s Kids, a program in memory of a former member of the Midwest Horse Fair family. 

Get Your Tickets!
The PRCA rodeo performance sells out each night, with bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and bull riding. Tickets, which range from $10 to $35, are available on the event’s website.

What did you think of this article?

Thank you for your feedback!

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Horse&Rider provides all you need for today’s Western horse life. Learn from top professional trainers, clinicians, and horsekeeping experts.

Related Articles

HR_23BON_Travel_Franklin TN Mustangs 02

Travel to Franklin, Tennessee For the Mustang Makeover

Make your way down to Franklin, Tennessee, to watch selected trainers showcase their previously untouched mustang in a variety of events.
Read Now
IMG_6498_jpg-741x1024

Having an Attitude of Gratitude

Even the most mundane of chores becomes a cherished action, when you are suddenly unable to do the things you've always done.
Read Now
sara-and-reba-3

Horses We'd Like to Own: Reba

A piece of the American West, this gritty mare has proven her worth time and time again, and even stared death in the face.
Read Now