Midwest Horse Fair 2016 ~ 1 of 2

Midwest Horse Fair was blessed with the most beautiful weather possible. Sunny and 70's ~ all three days! I think the sudden change & above average weather may have actually worked against attendance. It was visibly down, especially on Sunday.

I swung by fair on Thursday while vendors were setting up and picked up a saddle tree to try on Cierra. As planned, it was Brad's turn to order his forever saddle from Reed Tack. It will be completed sometime early next year, and totally worth the wait.

Tree fitting Cierra

Friday was all about getting our shopping done. We got a smoking hot deal on Nemo's Horseshoers Secret, and came home with a year's supply. Brad typically carries four buckets, and I carry two, allll the way out to the truck. By the time we get there, our arms are at least 3 inches longer. This year we found out the vendor offers complimentary transportation shuttle out to your vehicle (and back) and has for years! Who knew?!! 

I bought a replacement fly mask for Koda. I had given his like new one to Nemo, who is still having a hard time with allergies. I ordered a custom holster from Reed, of course it will match my saddle. That was it for my purchases. 

Brad's shopping revolved around showing. He got a nice buckskin felt hat and a handy-dandy Brute Rope tie stall for Ms. Cierra. We found an awesome deal on a rolling saddle/tack cart, and bought the last one. They were a hot item.

We spent time all three days consulting with various vendors that we've never had a need to talk with before. It was sooo interesting and gave us a lot to consider. I'll share more, when the time is right :)

The Friday night PRCA rodeo was exceptionally funny. We've had the same great announcer (Kelly Kenny) and funny clown (John Harrison) for years, they play off each other so well. Below the clown had borrowed a little girls hat from the audience and after running around with it on his head, and various other places, placed it on the announcers horse...guess you had to be there.

The little six year old that sang the National Anthem was amazing! That kid needs to be on the Little Big Shot show, and share her talent with the world. 

Cowboy/girls rode proud & loud. No bareback broncs tho, which was odd. They didn't have many bull riders either. Maybe they were trying to shorten the rodeo up? Who knows. 

Here are some rodeo & entertainment highlights:

What goes up...

Must come down...

The pick-up men are fast & fearless...

Some cowboys got a high flying re-ride...

When the bulls are spinning & doing handstands, it's a good thing to wear headgear...

There is always entertainment infused between sections of the rodeo. Below is Aaron Ralston working a steer. Notice anything unique (click pic if you are curious)? 

Of course Guy McLean amazed us all. I have to admit I was surprised to see the identical (or extremely similar) presentation that he gave years ago. Regardless, it was great to watch him perform again!!

They circle together, he leaves the group of three & then rejoins in-between.

Below is part of the (in-place) rocking horse routine.

The horses intentionally don't line up...

...and when they do, it's impressive!

We were lucky, he performed right in front of us.

To be continued. I'll share some observations & tips from a few clinics we watched in my second post.

Midwest Horse Fair 2013 ~ part two

In addition to clinicians & entertainers (review here) various competitions & events, Midwest Horse Fair draws over 500 vendors!! Just when you think you've seen them all, you pass by another and wonder how you missed it. 

We visited with our perennial favorite's, and found new ones. Including a ranch from Wyoming, attending Fair for the first time. Nice folks. We are considering them for future travel, horseback riding/snow mobile. We would love to experience the Shoshone National Forrest! Has anyone been to Crooked Creek Guest Ranch?

We purchased our annual supply of Nemo's Horseshoer's Secret at an unbelievable savings. Farm & Fleet is a local store, that offers great deals at Fair. We also picked up a gallon of ShowSheen, and a second mounting block to leave down at the farm. Shopping Fair Tip: check this vendor first before buying basic supplies, they tend to be less. A comment I've heard repeated many times, from other shoppers who wished they had.

I can't say enough good things about these two vendors: Brute Ropes and Reed Tack. We are repeat customers of both, and highly recommend them. 

This year we are trying Brute's new portable/adjustable cross ties. Our boys are trained to ground tie, but we thought these would come in handy on the road for a variety of things. We also purchased a couple more lunge ropes for the trailer. We just want to go, and not worry about what we forgot to bring. Don't be surprised if I come home with their reins next year. I really want to give these a try, but not everything comes off the wish list at once. Brute Ropes have a lot of feel, and are well made. We love their ropes!

After years of looking at Reed Tacks chinks, we finally each ordered a pair! Material costs just keep going up, we decided it's now or never. With so many choices it was pretty tough to chose, but managed with their sound advice. It's great how this duo cares about what they put out there. It's not about the sale. We look forward to their arrival in the mail, and years of use. I also had good conversation with them about my saddle woes, and am considering having Nick make me one. I have to wait on this bigger purchase, and will give it more thought.

I got a different kind of education when I spent time learning from an Oneida Indian artist, their customs and beliefs are so interesting. All patina copper sculptures, some decorated with special beads. There were a couple pieces I wouldn't mind owning, but out of my price range.

We toured the live in trailers once again this year. Not sure if it's a good or bad thing that they recognize us...not in the position to make our dream come true, yet.

We also visited with Chase Dodd, and Richard Winters at their booths. Good conversation was had with both. We waited and watch as a group of 4H kids sold Richard a raffle ticket. They were so thankful & polite, he gave them his full attention. He purchase a ticket, signed their hat & shirts - and then did something that warmed our hearts. He gave them one of his DVD's, and told them to watch it together at their next 4H meeting. Now that's what it's all about, paying it forward to the next generation. What a great guy! Follow-up Fair Tip: I discovered Richard Winters has instructional YouTube video's, and plan to spend more time learning from this great horseman!

We really enjoyed Midwest Horse Fair 2013, and all the horse experiences it offers!! Let the countdown begin for 2014!