Hype Quickly Building For The Madness, Camping Sold Out Already
By: Brittany Bevis
We’re just nearing the end of January, but hype is already building for a major AQHA event that’s scheduled to take place in Wilmington, Ohio this April. With new dates for 2016, The Madness will be held April 6-10 at the recently revamped Roberts Arena, the largest indoor arena in the United States.
Now, with an extra day added to the schedule, the return of the popular Equine Chronicle Novice 3 and Over Western Pleasure, and a brand new maiden slot class, The Madness is shaping up to be even bigger and better than in the past. Not only that, but Hunter classes have been added to the showbill, and there are even more prizes and bigger payouts promised in 2016.
Judges for the 2016 Madness will be Jonathan Meilleur, Jon Barry, Mike Hawkins, Karen Graham, Robin Frid, Scott Neuman, and Dean Bogart.
Making its return is the always popular Equine Chronicle Novice 3 and Over Western Pleasure Slot class, which will present a whopping $15,000 check to the winner on Friday, April 8th, following the lunch break and Halter classes. Then, on Saturday, we can’t wait for the introduction of a brand new class, the Coughlin Automotive Maiden 3 and Over Western Pleasure Slot class, which will also award $15,000 to the winner. That’s $30,000 to be presented to the winners in two classes alone! Like in the past, there will also be Champion and Reserve Champion awards and special prizes for the top placing Intermediate Riders and Limited Riders as well.
The Limited Champion in both classes will receive a Harris saddle. The Reserve Limited rider in both classes will receive $500. The Intermediate Champion in both classes will receive $1,500. The Reserve Intermediate rider in both receives $500.
A $1,500 entry fee for both classes is due March 22, 2016. Horses may be entered at the show, by noon, the day before each class; however, the entry fee will jump to $2,500. In order to compete in the Novice class, a horse must not have won more than $2,500 or earned more than 25 points. What could make these two classes even better? Winnings will be paid AT THE SHOW.
Check out the projected payout for both classes:
1st place- $15,000
2nd place- $7,500
3rd place- $5,000
4th place- $3,500
5th place- $3,000
6th place- $2,500
7th place- $2,000
8th place- $1,500
To top it all off, eight Harris work saddles will be awarded to All-Around winners in Small Fry, Novice Youth, 13 and Under, 14-18, Novice Amateur, Amateur, Select, and Open divisions. Special High Point awards will be presented in the L1 Youth and Amateur Walk-Trot divisions. Other great prizes including tablets, TV’s, and much more.
Why are we talking about a show in April when it’s still January? That’s because stall reservations opened on New Year’s Day and camping spots have already sold out with a waiting list quickly filling up. Don’t delay; reserve today!
Click here for The Madness showbill, courtesy of Mark Harrell Horse Shows.
For sponsor information contact Judd Paul at 614-205-8056.
For stalls/RV information contact Janet Ferguson at 937-416-0294.
