The 2022 Ingham County Fair Foundation Shamrock Shake Horse Show is being held this weekend at MSU’s agriculture and livestock pavilion. Hours are Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The event is free to spectators. Families are welcome, and there are no age restrictions. Participants pay to enter.
The county fair’s fundraising arm holds this event, and others like it, to raise funds for improving the fairgrounds and to support youth programs, businesses and agriculture in the community.
Leasing the facility to the show is a commitment. “We are responsible for all the setup,” said Pavilion Administrative Business Manager Scott Rancour. “This includes negotiating stall arrangements, providing bedding, watering and dragging the arena, making sure the building stays clean. They then bring in their own contestants.”
Exhibitors and horses compete in several classes. This includes halter, hunt seat pleasure, equitation, and horsemanship. Three judges pay close attention to discipline, manners, sustainability and the quality of movements.
“People should expect to see horses being shown in-hand and under-saddle in several different disciplines. It’s going to be great,” said show host Steve Taylor.
According to Taylor, there will be roughly 200 exhibitors and at least two spectators per horse. Rancour said, “We don’t usually get lots of spectators. Most of the audience is family oriented and just come for support.”