Stabling Manager: Bill Tressler, 517.521.3515 or bill@radiant-energy.com
Nominations Secretary: Julie Christopher, 248-921-3316 or fairwindmorgans@gmail.com

SHOW INFORMATION & RULES

EVERY CLASS OFFERED HEREIN WHICH IS COVERED BY THE RULES AND SPECIFICATIONS OF THE CURRENT USEF RULE BOOK WILL BE CONDUCTED AND JUDGED IN ACCORDANCE THEREWITH. Each participant in this show is responsible for knowledge of these rules and is subject to these rules. Any changes or corrections of the rules will automatically become part of this prize list. Questions that may arise that are not covered by the USEF rulebook will be decided by the Show Committee and their decisions will be final.

It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to submit entries that do not constitute a violation of GR1304.

Management reserves the right to change or alter the officials listed without notice prior to or during the show. The MMHBF Horse Show committee reserves the right to refuse entries. Corrections to this prize list will appear on the MMHBF website.

USEF MEMBERSHIP STATEMENT

Life, senior active and junior active members shall be eligible to participate in all classes at Regular Competitions, Eventing Competitions at the Modified Level or above and Combined Driving Competitions at the Advanced Level, Dressage, Reining and Vaulting Competitions and Endurance Rides. A non-member may participate as a handler, rider, driver, owner, lessee, or agent at Regular Competitions, Eventing Competitions, Dressage Competitions, Reining Competitions and Combined Driving Competitions upon payment of a Show Pass fee. Participants in the following classes are exempted from the Requirements of this rule: 1) leadline; 2) exhibitions; 3) games and races; 4) classes for 4-H members; 5) walk trot and academy classes (academy classes are classes limited to horses used regularly in a lesson program); 6) USDF introductory level tests, pas de deux and quadrille classes; 7) assistant handlers in Dressage Sport Horse Breeding classes.

AGE OF RIDER

The age of an individual on December 1 will be maintained throughout the entire competition year. (GR103)

• Amateur rider/driver/handler must be at least 18 years old.
• Ladies and Gentlemen rider/driver must be at least 18 years old.
• Youth rider/driver must be 21 years old or younger.
• Amateur Masters riders must be 50 years old or older.

ARENAS, WARM UP & EXERCISE AREAS

The Footing in all arenas consists of a mixture of sifted soils and sand. Show ring: 110’ x 214’ warm up ring: 250’x 100’
Dressage ring: 20 x 60 meters. Lunging is not allowed in the show arena at any time. You may lunge in the make-up rings up to 1 hour prior to each session. Turnout is not allowed in any arena at any time. The Show ring is available for daily practice sessions up to one hour before each session. There will be 30 minutes of quiet time for working horses in the show ring every day of the show following the final class of the morning session. During this time, no popping of lash whips, use of powder or plastic bags, or any other noise-making device will be allowed in the Show ring.

ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

Horses will be admitted to the Farm Bureau Pavilion grounds beginning on Wednesday, September 3 after 8:00 AM. Any exhibitor arriving prior to this time with horses will be turned away. All horses shall leave the Farm Bureau Pavilion no later than 10:00 P.M. Sunday, September 7.

ATTENTION GETTING DEVICES AND FORBIDDEN APPLIANCES

Attention-getting devices and/or other noisemakers (including but not limited to tape measures, blow horns, altered bamboo poles, explosives, etc.) are not allowed in and around the makeup/ schooling/warm-up and competition rings during the scheduled competition sessions. Use of explosives and fire extinguishers by or for exhibitors/competitors (except in the case of fire) are not allowed on competition grounds at any time.

ATTIRE AND ENTRANCE TO RING

All riders/drivers/handlers, attendants and awards presenters must be neatly and appropriately attired to enter the show ring for all performances or may be denied entrance.

BOX SEATS

Box seats may be reserved on a first come first serve basis from August 1- August 21. $125 per bench or $275 for a 3 bench section (each bench seats approximately 10 people). For reservations, Please Contact Terra Zimmerman (734) 755-9019

CAMPING

All campers and motor homes will be charged for camping. If you put a plug into an electrical outlet you will be charged for camping. There is no saving of camping spaces, sites are first come first serve. Campers should be paid on your entry blank. $125 flat fee if paid by the entry deadline, $175 after the deadline. Fee may be refunded if you notify the secretary 24 hours before horses are admitted. You must display your camper permit. A dump station is available on the show grounds.

CANCELLATION OR COMBINING OF CLASSES

The Horse Show Committee reserves the right to cancel any class where there are less than four entries. They also may combine or divide any classes should the best interest of the show require it. In case of cancellation, the entry fee will be refunded.

CHECKS RETURNED/DECLINED CREDIT CARDS

All checks returned for insufficient funds or credit cards declined for any reason will be charged a $50 handling fee and must be replaced by a certified check or cashier’s check. No one will be allowed to show if he/she has a returned check, declined credit card or handling fee outstanding. A $35.00 per horse late fee will be added to entries made with a check returned for any reason.

CROSS ENTERING

Cross-entering is allowed between the Classic Pleasure (Driving or Saddle) Sections and any other section provided all shoeing requirements are met.

DOGS AND OTHER PETS

Dogs, or other pets, are not permitted to be loose at any time (arrival to departure) on competition grounds. Dogs, or other pets, must be kept contained, or on a leash no greater than 6 feet in length under the immediate control of a responsible person and shall not be allowed to disturb or annoy visitors. The Ingham County Animal Control Ordinance and State Dog Law shall be strictly enforced. A $50 fine will be charged for any dog SEEN loose on the show grounds. The person that owns or is in immediate charge of any dog shall immediately remove all droppings and deposit in trash receptacles on competition grounds. If no receptacle is available, droppings are to be taken off competition grounds for disposal. Dog, or other pet, owners failing to comply will be subject to penalty.

DISCIPLINE

Exhibitors are warned that any action of discourtesy or disobedience to the officials on the part of the owner, rider, or driver, will disqualify the horse. Exhibitors will be held fully responsible for any damage or discourtesy caused by their employees or guests. The Management reserves the right to remove any groom, horse, rider, or driver from the show, without being liable for compensation. No exhibitor shall approach a Judge with regard to a decision unless he first obtains permission from the Steward who shall arrange an appointment with the Judge at a proper time and place and under no circumstances, while any session of the show is in progress. Exhibitors are to refrain from fraternizing with the Judges at any time before or during the show.

DRESSAGE

All tests will be ridden in a standard size (20x60m) arena. USDF and WDAA memberships are not required. Post entries will only be accepted if there is available space. Test of choice classes may be entered more than once for each horse/ rider but must be a different test for each ride. Ride times will be posted in the office by NOON on Thursday. Best efforts will be made to accommodate riders competing in the main and dressage rings, but cannot be guaranteed. Championships will be offered for each level. To be eligible, exhibitors must enter the championship class and show in a minimum of 2 tests from that level, one of which must be the highest test of that level (exception Classical Intro any 2 tests for walk trot age riders). Championships will be calcuated based on the average of the horse/rider combination’s two highest scores, one of which must be from the highest test of that level(exception intro any 2 tests). In the case of a tie, the combination with the highest score on the highest test of the level will prevail. Ride time requests will be done via google form, please include a legible email on your entry to receive the ride time request form.

ENTRIES

One owner per Entry Blank. Entry Blanks must be completed in full, signed and accompanied by full payment, and all AMHA and USEF numbers listed if known. Riders in medal classes must be UPHA or AMHA members. Memberships will be verified electronically; however, you may be required to present a copy of your card or papers if they are unable to be verified.

A USEF competing membership and up to date Safe Sport training good through the end of the show is required for anyone signing an entry blank as trainer or coach, this includes amateurs who train their own horses. If you have a USEF competing membership and are an owner, rider, driver, or appear anywhere on an entry blank your safe sport must be up to date.

Michigan Morgan Horse Breeders’ Futurity (MMHBF) Membership is required only for those who nominate horses to the Futurity.

Cash, check or credit card may be used to pay for entries. Checks will be held and cashed on September 5, 2025.

If the owner or exhibitor is under 18 years of age, the Entry Blank must be signed by a representative who is of age and who, by such a signature, individually assumes responsibility and risk as stated above the signature.

The Show assumes no responsibility, and this shall be a condition of entry.

Closing Date of Entries: ENTRIES MUST BE POSTMARKED BY August 25, 2025. Entries after this date will be assessed a one-time $35 per horse late entry fee. Post entries must be made at least one hour prior to the session in which the class will be contested except for the weanline and yearling sweepstakes, which must be entered by NOON on Friday September 5th, at an additional post entry fee of $50 per class. No additional charge will be made for entries in Championship classes; however, the entry must be placed at least one hour before the start of the session in which it is shown. Dressage post entries will be accepted based upon availability.

No horse will be allowed to enter the show ring without having a back number issued and a payment on file in the show office. Exhibitors will be required to present their health and Coggins certificates and any other necessary information in order to receive horse numbers.

The Board of Directors of the Michigan Morgan Horse Breeders Futurity (MMHBF) and Michigan Justin Morgan Horse Association (MJMHA) forbids any legal entity or individual with outstanding debts to the Association from showing at the Michigan Morgan Horse Breeders Futurity and Fall Horse Show. All debts must be settled with the MMHBF Horse Show Manager. These individuals, their family members, employees, and any horse owned, leased, or shown by them will not be allowed to enter the show arena. Additionally, the MMHBF and MJMHA reserve the right to refuse any entry.

ADDITIONAL FEES 

FEED AND BEDDING

Shavings, straw and hay (all at market price) will be available on the grounds for purchase. Pre-ordered bedding will be delivered to your stalls by 8:00AM Wednesday September 3rd. Order bedding and hay on your entry form. No one other than MSU may sell bedding or hay. You may arrange to have your stalls pre-bedded prior to your arrival for a fee of $12 per stall. Please include this on your entry form. If you have any questions regarding bedding or wish to arrange for pre-bedding of your stalls, please contact Stabling Manager Bill Tressler at 517-521-3515 or bill@radiant-energy.com

HEADERS

Headers in the Morgan Division must be a minimum of 16 years of age and dressed appropriately (USEF horse show age, see GR103).

HEADGEAR

Riders must wear ASTM/SEI approved headgear with properly fitting harness in the following:

• All classes where jumping is required and when jumping anywhere on the show grounds. (exception: Trail
  classes).
• Hunter Seat Equitation classes, including Walk/Trot
• Dressage riders when warming up for and riding in Dressage classes (exception: Western Dressage)
• Leadline riders at all times when mounted.
• Protective headgear is acceptable in any other division or class without penalty by the judge. See GR801.4.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Vaccinations: At Federation licensed competitions, horses more than seven months of age entering the grounds must be accompanied by documentation of Equine Influenza Virus and Equine Herpes Virus (Rhinopneumonitis) vaccinations within six months prior to entering the stables. Refer to USEF GR845.1 for those that cannot be vaccinated.

HEARING DEVICES

Electronic communication devices used for purposes of coaching exhibitors during a competition are prohibited in all classes. Exhibitors with a permanent hearing impairment are permitted to use an electronic communication device upon submission of a written certification from a treating medical professional’s office certifying the permanent hearing impairment and certifying the requirement of an electronic communication device. The medical certification must be provided to the competition management, within a reasonable time prior to competing, who shall attach a copy to the competition report.

HOLDS

All holds must be requested at the horse show office a minimum of 1 hour prior to the start of the session in which the hold is needed. All holds will be 2 minutes in length.

LIABILITY

Under the Michigan Equine Activity Liability Act, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in an equine activity resulting from an inherent risk of the equine activity. The Michigan Morgan Horse Breeders Futurity and Fall Horse Show, MMHBF, AMHA, and Michigan State University will in no way be held responsible for any loss or damage that may occur and furthermore it will be a condition of entry that each exhibitor, trainer, owner, rider, groom and/or agent shall hold the horse show and its management blameless for any loss or accident to his or her horses that may occur from sickness, accident or any other cause. Additionally, The Michigan Morgan Horse Breeders Futurity and Fall Horse Show, MMHBF, AMHA, USDF and Michigan State University will not be held responsible for any article of any kind that may be lost, destroyed, or stolen and will not be responsible or liable for injury sustained in any way to exhibitors, employees, spectators, or any other interested parties.

PREMIUMS AND AWARDS

Futurity classes will have prize money based on their futurity points status and not associated with the show. These checks will be settled and mailed within 30 days after the show by the futurity and not the horse show. Weanling and Yearling sweepstakes prize money will be handled in the same manner as Futurity money. You must have a W-9 on file with the MMHBF to receive any prize money over $600, forms are available in the office. Winners receive ribbon + award.

QUALIFICATION

Amateur classes are restricted to Amateurs 18 years and over. Junior Exhibitors will qualify for amateur championships when no junior exhibitor championship is offered, however they will be judged by amateur class specifications. Ladies and Gentleman’s classes will qualify for their respective amateur championships if shown by an
amateur in the qualifying class if no Ladies class is offer. AMHA Medal Classes and UPHA Challenge Cup classes (if offered) will qualify the rider for the respective equitation championship. Stake and Championship Classes will not be required to strip, and shall be judged on a 60% performance and 40% type and conformation basis.

REFUNDS

Refunds will be issued only if requested in writing prior to the closing date of entry, less the $30 office fee. Any request to withdraw horses after the closing date (August 25, 2025) of entries, and prior to arrival on the grounds, must be supported by a Veterinarian Certificate giving a comprehensive diagnosis, dated 48 hours following exam. In this case, entry fees only will be refunded minus the office fee. No refunds will be made at the show. Refunds will be made to the owner on the entry blank and will be mailed. THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS FOR ANY REASON AFTER September 3, 2025 without proper documentation from the Veterinarian.

NO REFUNDS will be made if an exhibitor misses a class for any reason and the class has not been properly scratched in the show office prior to the session in which the class occurred.

REGISTRATION

All horses entered in the show must be registered with the American Morgan Horse Association, Inc., the Canadian Morgan Horse Association, or the British Morgan Horse Society and must be entered under their full registered name or if under one year of age be eligible for registration. Registration certificates or a copy thereof for each horse must be available for inspection, examination, and verification by an official designated by AMHA during the show. Exception: Opportunity classes open to any breed. Horses must be entered under the ownership which appears on the registration.

SCRATCHES AND ADDS

Any class entered or scratched during the show must be entered TWO HOURS before the session in which the class is to be held. There is no post entry fee for championship classes. In extreme circumstances, upon payment of $100 an eligible late entry will be accepted into any class prior to the preceding class being called to the line up. You will be charged for any class which is not scratched properly in the office prior to the session.

SHARPS DISPOSAL

Safe and proper sharps disposal (needles, syringes and other hazardous objects and materials) is the responsibility of individual stables. Containers are available throughout the stabling area.

STABLING

Stalls are mandatory for all horses. Horses may not share stalls (exception foals that have not yet been weaned). No showing from trailers. Stalls are approximately 10’x10’, have doors, and are solid on the bottom half with bars on the top. Arena Barn stalls have cement floors, the South Barn stalls have dirt floors. Stallion panels to make the upper half of stalls appear solid are available for a charge of $5 per panel. Any full wall panels which you would like removed must be done by MSU staff, the cost is $30 per panel. These must be pre-arranged please include them with your stabling requests. They will be added to your show account in the office. Tape, stickers, nails, tacks, staples, hooks, screws and other objects shall not be placed in the facilities walls, doors, floors, ceilings, trees, post or stalls. Exhibitors will be responsible for the cost of repairing damage or alterations to stalls. Anyone using a stall not assigned to them will be charged an additional $150.00, which must be paid prior to admission to any class. Please contact the barn superintendent with your stall counts by the closing date of entries.

VETERINARIAN HOURS

The Veterinarian’s on-call telephone number will be posted in the Show Office or available from the Barn Manager.

USEF Motorized Vehicle Statement

Minors who do not have a valid driver’s license which allows them to operate a motorized vehicle in the state in which they reside will not be permitted to operate a motorized vehicle of any kind, including, but not limited to, golf carts, motorcycles, scooters, or farm utility vehicles, on the competition grounds of licensed competitions. Minors who have a valid temporary license may operate the above-described motorized vehicles as long as they are accompanied by an adult with a valid driver’s license. The parent/legal guardian or individual who signs the entry blank as a parent or guardian of a minor operating a motorized vehicle in violation of this rule are solely responsible for any damages, claims, losses or actions resulting from that operation. Violations of this rule will be cause for penalties against those responsible for the child committing the offense. Wheelchairs and other mobility assistance devices for individuals with disabilities are exempt from this rule. The unsafe use of personal electronic transport devices, as determined by the competition officials and management in their sole discretion, that do not require a driver’s license to operate, including but not limited to segways, hover boards, and single wheeled scooters is prohibited on competition grounds. Operating such devices in areas where people gather may be deemed “unsafe use” if there is a risk of harm to others. If the operator of the device is a minor, the parent/legal guardian or individual who signs the entry blank as a parent or guardian of a minor operating the device in violation of this rule is accountable and may be subject to penalties. Wheelchairs and other mobility assistance devices for individuals with disabilities are exempt from this rule.

OPTION CLASSES 

There will be six (6) Option Classes available. Each of these are “For Sale” so to speak! Any Morgan class that is not in our schedule is available to be an Option Class. This is done on a first-come basis. Consult the Prize List before selecting an Option Class. If the class is in the show schedule, then that class may NOT be selected as an Option Class. Option Classes are to be used as qualifying classes only. An Option Class may be requested by submitting the Option Class Request form, and mailing in the form with your check, or calling with credit card information, or using the Payment Button here on the website. The price to purchase an Option Class is $80, which includes the entry fee for one horse. After the Option Classes are posted, anyone may enter the classes for the regular entry fee of $30. Early postings will be done on this website before August 11, 2025. All postings will be done at the show no later than noon on Thursday. You must pay for your class before it will be posted.

POINT APPROVALS 

Current members of USEF, AMHA (American Morgan Horse Association), and MJMHA (Michigan Justin Morgan Horse Association) who have completed requisite application procedures are eligible for points awarded by those organizations. For additional information, please visit the USEF website (www.USEF.org), the AMHA website (www.morganhorse.com) or the MJMHA website (www.mjmha.com).

OFFICE HOURS 

The show office is scheduled to be open during the following times: