Taking place on opening day January 12, 2019, the Mentor Matchup will match selected youth with industry professionals who will act as their “coach” for the day. They will be given one-on-one practice time in the morning followed by a competition in the afternoon. A Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion will be named and awarded prize money of $1,000 and $500, respectively. Each of the remaining competitors will receive $100.

The Alumni Tournament of Champions is an IHSA style horse show for IHSA alumni from around the country. Riders draw horses before competing and are not able to practice on the horse before walking into the show ring. The purpose of the show is to expand opportunities for IHSA Alumni to ride in a finals type atmosphere, as many only show a few times a year with busy careers and limited funds.

One of the most unique aspects of the AEL is that riders leave the show with a set of written comments from the judge about their performance, letting them know what they are doing well and what they still need to work on.

The Equestrian Center is a 526,440 square foot building containing two show arenas (150’x300’ floor size), one with 4,500 fixed seats plus 10 suites and one with 500 fixed seats, two warm-up paddocks leading directly into the show arenas, two additional open-sided connected warm-ups and a barn with 800+ stalls, wash racks, restrooms, officesand meeting rooms. The building will be equipped with production equipment including camera drops, production lights and screens.

New for 2018

Level 1 Ranch Riding & NSBA 

3 Year Old & Over $2,500 Novice Horse Open Western Pleasure Stakes Presented by The Madness

Open to Maiden & Non Maiden horses
Horse cannot have earned over $2,500 or 25 points by August 1st of current year
Highest Placing Limited Rider Award
4 & 5 Year Old Non Pro Trail Stakes NSBA Presented by Sea Ridge Farms

Performance Halter – All classes are now NSBA dual approved

Southern Belle Breeders Division added to the following classes

4 & 5 Year Old Open Trail Stakes NSBA & Limited
3 Year Old Open Trail Stakes NSBA & Limited
4 & 5 Year Old Non Pro Trail Stakes NSBA

High Point Saddles- Stylish rough-out Scottsdale Performance Saddles will be awarded to the high point champions in Amateur and Open Ranch and Non Pros in Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. See Details

Trophies: Champions receive handsome bronze trophies that are specific to each discipline, and are mounted on a stone base.

Prizes: Logo’d  Outerwear, Buckle Boxes, Gift Certificates from Professionals Choice Bob Avila Collection, SmartPak, Cinch Jeans & Shirts, Rod Patrick Boots  and Vendor Bucks for all Judges Placings 1-6

Tune in each day for top competition among amateur exhibitors ages 50 and over. The event will crown 44 world championships in English, western and halter disciplines.