Around the Rings – 2024 ShoMe Spring Showcase

May 1, 2024 | Filed under: Around The Ring Galleries,Featured,Show Results & Gallery | Posted by: Delores Kuhlwein

The Granny Smith Challenge

April 26-28, 2024, marked the third annual ShoMe Horse Shows Spring ShoCase at MSU Pavilion, in Lansing, Michigan. Judges were Mary Luther, Tim Kruithoff, Laura Parsons, Loralee Stevens, and Karen Waite.

ShowMe Horse Shows in Michigan is an open, all-breed circuit built around doing things differently, and just for fun. “All three of our shows have a different theme and outside-the-box classes,” says Liz Gear, who owns and operates ShoMe Horse Shows with her husband, Kurtis Gear.

The series has become so popular, the stalls sell out in minutes. In fact, they’ve now also added The Championship Sho to their calendar October 17-20, 2024, in Midland, Michigan, and exhibitors have been qualifying to compete!

Some good examples of the type of fun intertwined with competition: their challenge classes. They’re run as sweepstakes classes and they pay back – all except for the “Granny Smith Apple Challenge classes.” The list of classes at the Spring ShoCase included Hands Free Showmanship, Bareback Horsemanship, Bridleless Western Pleasure, Bareback Equitation, and the Granny Smith Challenge!

Here’s the description from ShoMe Horse Shows for the Granny Smith Challenge:

This event is often referred to as an “apple race” or “apple ride”. Exhibitors will be given an apple tuck between their chin and chest. Riders will then find a place on the rail and will perform a variety of maneuvers as requested. If your apple slips out, you’re done! Riders may not re-position their apple with their hands or arms. The last remaining rider wins!

They also added a Turnover Challenge with inflatable knockerballs! In addition to all the fun, the series really celebrates their winners of all levels and disciplines, including their high point winners: