September 14, 2013
Friday the 13th is often considered to be an unlucky day. The origin of this superstition is not completely known, but yesterday was proof that it is only a superstition.
We could not have asked for a better day! The skies were blue, the sun was shining, and the temperature was perfect for horseback riding. We certainly were due for some good weather!
The competition ran smoothly throughout the day, and all the rings finished in the early afternoon with the exception of the Friday Main Event to be held in the Grand Prix ring.
The Urban Equine Events Poise and Brilliance Hunter Classic was scheduled as the final event on this gorgeous day. The Poise and Brilliance Hunter Classic is a two round Hunter competition that is somewhat analogous to the Power & Speed classes found in the jumper ring. The competitors choose the height at which they want to compete, and begin the course with a traditional hunter classic round. In this round Poise, Style, Quality, and Soundness are emphasized. Then the competitors have the option to continue straight on to the second round or return later at the completion of their height section. If the competitor chooses to move right on to the second round they receive 8 additional points added to the score for demonstrating additional Poise.
Jessica Swanson and “Gone Country”, with owner Betsy Kieffer, winners of the UEE Poise and Brilliance Hunter Classic ‘C’ section
The second round emphasizes Brilliance, Expression, Cleverness, and Soundness. So, the riders should pick up the pace a bit to exhibit the horses brilliance. This two round competition that runs together makes for an exciting class to watch!
Our course designer for the week, Mr. Charles Throckmorton of Fort Collins, CO, put together a nice track for the competitors that had that classic hunter feel for the first round, but involved the terrain of the ring and the option for tidy turns and long gallops in the Brilliance phase.
The schedule allowed for two separate classes to be held. The first class was the ‘C’ rated Poise and Brilliance Hunter Classic which saw 8 entries that competed either at the 3′ for 3’3″ height. The second class was the ‘A’ rated section that saw another 8 competitors compete over the 3’3″ or 3’6″ height. Each class was pinned separately.
In the end the ‘C’ rated class saw Jessica Swanson of Minnesota aboard Betsy Kieffer’s “Gone Country” take the Blue ribbon. CONGRATULATIONS!!
Amanda Hauser aboard “Calido’s Son” with trainer Heidi Hildebrand, winners of the UEE Poise and Brilliance Hunter Classic ‘A’ section
In the ‘A’ rated class, junior rider Amanda Hauser laid down a beautiful ride aboard her own “Calido’s Son” and came away with the win. Trainer Heidi Hildebrand of Minnesota was very pleased! CONGRATULATIONS!!
Thank you for all the exhibitors who participated in this new class format. We hope everyone had a great time! It certainly was a perfect way to end a perfect day!
DJU
September 11, 2013,
My fellow horse showing Americans… and those with us whom may not fall into that category. 12 years ago, on this very day an incredibly outrageous event took place on our country’s soil that has forever altered our future. It will go down in history on the same level as Pearl Harbor or the Moon Landing. Today we remember the lives of those innocent souls that were lost, and the lives of the brave people who were sacrificed trying to save those in peril. For this reason, we will forever look at our Star Spangled Banner each year on this very day, in remembrance of those who were caught in the crossfire, and we will solemnly swear to NEVER FORGET! God Bless America!
The 11th of September will always be a serious day, but here at Mid States Horse Shows, it marks something else that we will NEVER FORGET. September 11, 2013 marks a day where Mid States opens the first day of competition for the final horse show of the inaugural season. Well, at least the inaugural season for the new management.
AND WHAT AN INAUGURAL SEASON IT HAS BEEN!!
We will NEVER FORGET the beautiful weather of a bright and sunny, 80 degree schooling day during the Spring show, that was quickly followed by a wet and gloomy, somehow typical, Spring show day. Then, even though the weather reports indicated the impending doom of a late snowstorm, no one could have predicted what we would wake up to the next day! The massive amounts of snow were something that no one attending the show had EVER seen!
We at Mid States will NEVER FORGET the Mid States Horse Shows Spring Snow!!
However the ‘lows’ are followed, sometimes slowly, by the ‘highs’. The Mid States Summer Shows may not have been graced by exceptional weather, but the overall feeling and success of the show was a dramatic improvement from the Spring installment. The numbers were up, and so was the fun and the morale. We will NEVER FORGET our first Summer season at Mid States.
Now, as we embark on the final installment of the 2013 Mid States season, we will certainly NEVER FORGET what an epic year it has been. While we are here, let us all enjoy some (hopefully) drastically improved weather, and let us NEVER FORGET what horse showing is really all about!!
Have fun everyone!!
Just some quick exhibitor information:
For tomorrow’s (Thursday Sept 12, 2013) schedule the following classes have been changed from Table II.1 classes to Table II.2b classes:
See you all for a wonderful day of showing tomorrow!!
DJU
September 2, 2013
Greetings All!!
The Summer months are winding down and that means that once again a gathering of Mid Westerners will descend upon Mason City, IA for the Mid States Horse Shows Fall Show!
Preparations of the grounds and footing will commence this coming week to prepare for a fun-filled week of good horses, good people, and hopefully good weather! …We certainly could do without the rain and snow!
Our officials for the show will be:
Be sure to join us for:
The UEE Poise and Brilliance Hunter Classic – Friday September 6, 2013
If you have not yet submitted an entry please DOWNLOAD THE PRIZE LIST AND ENTRY BLANKS HERE!!!
Then be sure to contact Barb Aherns at hsbarb@hotmail.com ASAP!!
WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO FALL!!! COME JOIN US IN “MASON SMILEY” !!!
DJU 2013
June 5, 2013
Well, in traditional Mason City fashion, consistent precipitation welcomed the staff and exhibitors during schooling day of Mid States Horse Shows Summerfest show. Though, if you have ever been to a show in Mason City, you would know that this is not a rare occurrence, and that us Midwestern show goers never a little rain dampen our spirits. At least it’s not SNOW!!
The rain made for some wet conditions during the first day of competition today, but thanks in large part to the hard working ring crew and tractor drivers the footing help up quite well. One person even said the jumper schooling ring was the best it has ever been after seeing so much rain. So, competition went on, people enjoyed their horses, and by the end of the day the skies cleared up, the sun came out, and there was a gentle breeze meandering across the fairgrounds. Hopefully a good omen for tomorrow.
SOME IMPORTANT EXHIBITOR INFORMATION
The Grand Prix ring will remain open for hacking.
The Main Hunter ring will be closed this evening , but will be open for hacking and possibly schooling in the morning before the show.
Hunter Ring 2, more affectionately referred to as the “Sand Ring” will be open for schooling
SCHEDULE CHANGE FOR TOMORROW
In the Grand Prix ring, after the conclusion of the Open Jumpers and the High Jr/AO Jumpers, the schedule will continue you with the .75m jumpers and work up in height. (Instead of starting with 1.0m and working down in height).
SOME INFORMATION REGARDING THE “UEE POISE AND BRILLIANCE OPEN HUNTER CLASSIC”
The goal was to create something fun and different, and still have participants be able to get classic bonus points.
The twist is to be somewhat of a hunter version of a power & speed class, with the finish of the 1st course preferably being the start of the 2nd. USEF rules say Hunters may not be ‘required’ to do “back to back” classes, but we offer a 5 point incentive to commence the 2nd round immediately. If someone prefers to come out for the 2nd round, then they may do their 2nd round at the end of their height group, forfeiting the 5 points.
Options are only in the 2nd round and are “officially” 2″ bigger per USEF rules.
UEE Poise and Brilliance Open Hunter Classic:
Open to all horses and ponies otherwise qualified (HU 144. 1 & 6).
Two rounds for all horses over two different courses with a choice of 3′, 3’3″, 3’6″, 3’9″, or 4′ in both rounds, using the open numerical judging system for the base score. Soundness to be considered in the judges’ scores, but horses not to jog.
Can be held as one class overall, but then does not count for Zone Classic or National Classic HOTY points, as it combines ‘A’ rated sections with ‘C’ rated sections.
Can be held “split” with ‘A’ and ‘C’ sections competing in two separate Classics where horses from ‘A’ rated sections will receive their National and Zone Classic points. Horses from ‘C’ rated sections will receive their Zone points.
The first round emphasizes Poise, style, and quality. At the end of the first round, if, the 2nd round is commenced immediately, 5 points will be added to the first round’s open numerical base score for demonstrating additional Poise. A rider may opt to come back at the end of their height group for the second round, but then will not receive the 5 points.
In the second round, also with open numerical scoring, Brilliance and Expression are to be emphasized, and with the following options:
Second round 3′ horses will have four 3’2″ options.
Second round3’3″ horses will have four 3’5″ options.
Second round 3’6″ horses will have four 3’8″ options.
Second round 3’9″ horses will have four 3’11″ options.
Second round 4′ horses will have four 4′ 2″ options.
Each higher option jumped results in an additional 2 points added to the base score.
In addition second round points may, at the judges’ discretion, be awarded for Brilliance, and then added to the second round base score in the following manner:
0-2 points for the 3′ group.
0-4 points for the 3’3″ group.
0-6 points for the 3’6″ group.
0-8 points for the 3’9″ group.
0-10 points for the 4′ group.
The highest COMBINED total score from both of the two rounds places first, and so forth, and will be pinned and announced accordingly.
Brilliance of Pace is defined as a faster pace than ordinary, without sacrificing performance or style.
If a horse is shown in more than one section qualifying for the Hunter Classic, the exhibitor must declare to the Competition Secretary to which eligible section bonus points are to count, and jump that appropriate height (see HU 144. 1). Points will be awarded accordingly. (see HU 144. 9 b&c) Horses not to jog, with soundness considered in the performance of the rounds.
FORMAL ATTIRE
May 8, 2013
The staff at Mid States Horse Shows would like to express a HUGE THANK YOU to all the exhibitors, and their crews, that braved the elements for the Mid States Spring Horse Show. We put in a big effort to make the best of the challenging conditions, but it would not have been possible without you!
It certainly will be a show to remember!
From the Derby to Departure:
Competition at the Mid States Spring Show continued on Sunday with the $2500 USHJA National Hunter Derby. A total of 8 entries were on hand to tackle the course set by Rian Beals in the Indoor ring of the North Iowa Events Center.
All the Derby horses were allowed to compete in a warm-up class that was held before the actual start of the Derby to allow for proper schooling. However, for the first time since the blizzard there were schooling fences available in one of the outdoor rings to help the horses and riders prepare for the class.
At the completion of the first round Kim Barone of Watertown, MN found herself sitting in 1st and 2nd place aboard Dark Chocolate, and Cyril respectively. As competition continued during the Handy round several riders put down quality trips. In the end the judges, Joe and Fran Dotoli, determined Dark Chocolate to be the winner of the Handy round with a base score of 85, plus 4 for the high options, and 9 points added for the Handy points. This secured Kim and Dark Chocolate the overall win for the $2500 USHJA National Hunter Derby!! CONGRATULATIONS KIM!!
CONGRATULATIONS KIM AND DARK CHOCOLATE!!!
The Jumper program began around 10:15AM in what is normally Hunter ring 1. The management decided that the footing was good enough to return outside, but that Hunter 1 was in better condition that the Grand Prix field. So the hard working crew began building a jumper course outside. Since this occurred, a jumper class has been held in every ring on the fairgrounds at some point during the long run of Mid States Horse Shows.
Since we were able to return to the outdoor ring with the Jumper schedule the Horse Show concluded at a reasonable hour, which allowed for everyone to pack up and travel home safely. In addition as the day progressed the Sun began to make a more pronounced appearance. By the end of the day you could see the crew guys loading up the trailer in T-shirts!!
It was truly amazing to see the weather change so dramatically from Schooling day to Departure Day!!
As we move forward, the staff at Mid States Horse Shows is excited about warmer weather and increased entries for the upcoming Summerfest and Summer Shows! So pack your gear, load your trailers, and we’ll see you in Mason City in June!!
DJU
May 4, 2013
2013 Sunday Mid States Spring – !!! DOWNLOAD THE SUNDAY SCHEDULE HERE !!!
Spring Snow Show Continues
Competition at the North Iowa Events Center resumed today starting with the Jumper schedule in the Indoor ring. Exhibitors woke up this morning to still see snow on the ground, but were relieved to not see it falling from the sky.
The action began at 8:00AM this morning with the 1.25m Jumper Stake class. The crew then set the fences back down and run up the levels beginning with the .80m Schooling Jumper. Closing out the Jumper schedule today was the $10,000 Mid States Spring Grand Prix. There were a total of 10 entries that tackled the course set by Rian Beals in the NIEC Indoor ring. Of the 10 starters there were 4 clear rounds that came back to jump off for the money.
Kris Killam and Valkyrie II were the first ones to post a faultless round, and that wouldn’t happen again until Kris returned to the ring aboard Mandy Killam’s Galyleo. Just two rounds later Kim Barone aboard her own Rival put down a flawless effort, which was immediately followed by another fault free round produced by Dan Urban aboard Tom Urban’s
Astro Boy.
Kris was the first to come back for the Jump Off where he rode to a fault free effort over the jumps, but did incur just 1 time penalty. As the other riders prepared for their jump off efforts, Kris returned to the ring aboard his second ride Galyleo. This time Kris put down a fast and flawless effort leaving the time to beat at 39.6 seconds. Kim Barone was next in the ring to try to catch Kris’ time. Her and Rival put forth a great effort but couldn’t quite catch up to Mr. Killam. Last in the ring for the class was Dan Urban and Astro Boy. This pair certainly gave Kris a run for the money, posting a clear effort in the fast time of 39.8 seconds, which fit them just barely into second place.
Mid States Horse Shows would like to express CONGRATULATIONS TO KRIS KILLAM AND GALYLEO!!! WINNERS OF THE $10,000 MID STATES HORSE SHOWS SPRING GRAND PRIX!!!
CONGRATULATIONS KRIS!!!
Immediately following the conclusion of the Prix, the hard working crew went to work to make the change for Hunters. The rest of the day ran quite smoothly for the Hunter riders, and the Sun even decided to make an appearance. Which certainly is a great thing because it did quite a bit to melt all the snow that had accumulated over the past few days, and might provide us with the possibility of returning to the outdoor rings!
IMPORTANT EXHIBITOR INFORMATION
The Indoor Ring will be available for hacking/lunging until 6:30AM on Sunday.
Schooling will be open in the Indoor from 6:45AM – 7:15AM Sunday morning.
Competition will begin promptly at 8:00AM.
WE WILL BEGIN SUNDAY WITH A WARM UP CLASS RESTRICTED TO HORSES COMPETING IN THE USHJA NATIONAL HUNTER DERBY.
The class will be a stand-alone class, meaning everyone will do their warm up before competing in the Derby.
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THIS WARM UP CLASS WILL BE THE USHJA NATIONAL HUNTER DERBY
We will then run right into the rest of the schedule for the Hunters. Schooling will likely take place tomorrow in the Sand Ring.
JUMPERS HAVE A TENTATIVE START TIME OF 10:15AM IN THE GRAND PRIX RING.
Management will make a decision tomorrow morning on whether or not the Jumper classes will be held outside. In the event that we will not be able to return to the outdoor rings, the Jumper schedule will immediately follow the Hunter schedule in the Indoor.
2013 Sunday Mid States Spring – !!! DOWNLOAD THE SUNDAY SCHEDULE HERE !!!
DJU
May 3, 2013
2013 SATURDAY MIDSTATES WINTER HORSE SHOW SCHEDULE – !! DOWNLOAD THE SATURDAY SCHEDULE !!
The Snowing/Showing continues…
Here in Mason City we resumed competition today, but we still woke up to a fresh coating of snow. Although, the amount was much more manageable and exhibitors and staff alike were able to arrive on the fairgrounds without delay. Despite the fact that the snow continued on well into the late morning, the horse show kicked off without much trouble.
All the classes for the day had been moved to the indoor ring, which considering the circumstances, worked out very well as a show ring. It was a bit of a ‘throwback’ show, as in the early years of showing in Mason City the indoor was used quite frequently. There were even some requests to have Paul Sullivan, our excellent Jumper judge and announcer, to return to his original post of running the In-gate. 
Although, Paul politely declined and chose to participate from the judges stand, the show went off quite smoothly! Mr. Jeremy Raleigh ran an excellent In-gate instead.
The horse show will continue tomorrow in the Indoor ring.
IMPORTANT EXHIBITOR INFORMATION:
Lunging/hacking will be available until 6:00AM
Schooling will take place from 6:30 – 7:30AM
The show will begin promptly at 8:00AM.
We will begin with the jumpers and the first class of the day will be the 1.25m Jumper Stake.
The GRAND PRIX will take place as the last class of the Jumper schedule.
Afterwards we will begin with the Hunter schedule.
!!! The Hunter Derby will be scheduled for some time in the morning on Sunday !!!
2013 SATURDAY MIDSTATES WINTER HORSE SHOW SCHEDULE
!!! EXHIBITOR PARTY SATURDAY !!!
Join us for an evening of fun at the Prime & Wine following the conclusion of the show. There will be pizza and good times awaiting! This is our chance to express our gratitude for being supportive despite the weather conditions!
DJU
May 2, 2013
2013 Friday Mid States Spring Schedule – !!! DOWNLOAD THE FRIDAY SCHEDULE HERE !!!
…oops! We mean Mid States Spring SHOW!!
Upon arrival in Mason City on Monday April 30, the weather was ideal. Sunny skies, warm temperatures, and excellent footing conditions.
This dreamland continued on into Tuesday’s schooling day. Everyone enjoyed the sunshine and perfect riding conditions, but the lovely day was bittersweet. Everyone had seen the weather forecast for the rest of the week, and knew that perfect showing conditions in May are very elusive in Mason City.
Just after schooling had closed on Tuesday evening, tractor drive extraordinaire Tom Urban hustled to seal the rings, just in time for a 
major downpour. Everyone woke up to some wet and chilly conditions on Wednesday morning, but that didn’t stop us. The quality of the footing remained great, albeit a bit wet, and Rian Beals had put together some excellent courses in both the Hunter and Jumper rings. Wednesday’s schedule went off without trouble and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and their horses.
At this point the weather forecast still looked very grim.
In an effort to be one step ahead of Mother Nature, the management decided to move the horse show into the Indoor Ring. The North Iowa Events Center staff, alongside the Mid States staff, rushed to make the footing in the indoor suitable for the horses. Everything was ready to go, and exhibitors were even allowed to school in the indoor that afternoon/evening. And then…
…we woke up to this:
Due to cruel joke that Mother Nature decided to play on us all, the horse show was cancelled for Thursday. Throughout the day the roads were cleared, the managers worked hard to rework the schedule, and the indoor was worked so that exhibitors could still exercise their horses. As they say in show business, ‘the show must go on!’
This brings us up to the present, where we intend to continue horse showing in the morning.
IMPORTANT EXHIBITOR INFORMATION:
The Indoor Ring will be available for hacking and lunging all night until somewhere between 6:15 and 6:30AM.
The crew will then set a course and we will open up the Indoor for schooling from 6:45AM until 8:00AM.
The horse show will begin at 8:30AM.
We will begin with the Hunter 2 schedule from Thursday and roll right into the Hunter 2 schedule for Friday.
We will then continue directly to the Hunter 1 schedule from Thursday and roll right into the Hunter 1 schedule for Friday.
The Jumper schedule has been redone and the Start Time and Ring are To Be Determined.
2013 Friday Mid States Spring Schedule – !!! DOWNLOAD THE FRIDAY SCHEDULE HERE !!!
We can’t wait to resume showing tomorrow!
DJU
April 10, 2013
Are you ready for some of this…?
And how about some of this…?
And, maybe a little of this…?
Well, we are!!!
Mid States Horse Shows Spring Show is just a few weeks away!!! We can’t wait to see you there!!
Entries close April 16, 2013 for the May show, so be sure to check out the Prize Book and fill out your entry form!!
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PRIZE BOOK AND ENTRY FORMS
The Clarion Inn in Mason City is Mid States Horse Shows official hotel for the 2013 season!!!
The hotel offers:
Complimentary hot breakfast buffet
FREE wireless high speed internet
FREE newspaper and FREE local calls
FREE coffee in the lobby
Indoor heated pool and hot tub
Fitness Center and Game Room
and most importantly…
PET FRIENDLY!!
The Clarion Inn Mason City still has available rooms for Horse Show participants at the special rate of $89.00 + tax, per night!!
BOOK YOUR ROOM TODAY!!
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM AT THE CLARION INN UNDER THE HORSE SHOW RATE!!!
DJU
March 25, 2013
Mid States Horse Shows is pleased to announce the launching of our NEW WEBSITE!!
It’s the same old address, but we have a brand new look!
Feel free to browse around and see what it has to offer. One can find:
Stay tuned for News updates and pertinent info!
Mid States Horse Shows announces our “Official Hotel” for the 2013 season!!
We are pleased to be partnering with the Clarion Inn in Mason City!
This wonderful hotel offers:
You can reserve your rooms by calling the hotel directly at: 614-423-1640. Be sure to mention that you are with the Horse Show!
OR
You can follow this link to reserve your rooms:
RESERVE YOUR ROOMS AT THE CLARION BY CLICKING HERE
Announcing the Dave Anderson Equitation Trophy!!
Mid States is pleased to announce the creation of the Dave Anderson Equitation Trophy!
This trophy is presented by the Dwyer and Urban families in honor of Dave’s 40+ years of service to the Equine industry!!
All Juniors are eligible.
Points from all Equitation and Medal classes from all the 2013 Mid States shows and all the 2013 Urban Equine Events shows will be totaled to determine a WINNER!
Traveling trophy and prize package will be awarded at the Mid States Fall Show!!
WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO START THE NEW SHOW SEASON!! WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!
DJU