One part horse show, one part pork expo, and one part extreme heat make the perfect recipe for the 49th year of the Iowa Show Circuit. The beautiful Jacobsen building located at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa, hosted the Iowa Show Circuit June 5-11. It was an action packed week filled with over 6000 entries, exhibitor parties, visitors from all over the world and impressive competition in the show pen.
An all-novice show began the circuit on Sunday with veteran judge and Iowa native Rick Bailey. Upon completion of the novice show an exhibitor pizza party was held in conjunction with showmanship clinic given by AQHA judge and trainer Brent Maxwell. The clinic broke down judges score sheets including average, excellent, and faulted maneuvers. In this extremely informative event Maxwell likened the showmanship class to a job interview where each maneuver was a response to a question that had been asked.
The Iowa Show Circuit Committee adjusted the schedule to show halter under six judges all on one day. This change enabled the show day to be finished by early evening every day. This gave exhibitors plenty of time to practice and enjoy the spectacle of the World Pork Expo and its 20,000 pork producers from around the world.
Numbers were high in the trail, showmanship, western riding, and Green Western Pleasure. Some of the winners included Abby McCormick as the High Point Youth at the all-novice show. Jess Bergantzel and Gettin Awesome won the circuit for the Junior Trail. Kelly McDowall showed Definately A First to the GreenForGreen Champion in the trail. Heavenly Mac owned by Susan Knapp was High Point Western Riding horse. High point halter mare was Bee Jeweled owned by Frank Berris. Ellexxah Maxwell and Zips Bossy Chip were the circuit champion in Youth 14-18 Showmanship, Horsemanship and Performance Mares.
With many options for showing AQHA in early June, it is tough to beat the flat fee rate, the beautiful show facilities, entertainment that includes the World Pork Expo and live horse racing, and the strong tradition of the Iowa Show Circuit.
CLICK HERE to view the candids taken by Cara Klyn, Iowa Show Circuit, and various other competitors and sponsored by The Rock Stallion
