Six new classes have been added and two age groups changed for the Mid-America Mane Event Show, October 22-25 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

Added classes:
• Show Pleasure Three Gaited – 13 Years & Under – #54A Friday Evening
• Show Pleasure Driving – Junior/Novice – #18 Thursday Evening
• Show Pleasure Walk/Trot – 12 Years & Under – #33A Friday Afternoon
• Show Pleasure Walk/Trot Championship – 12 Years & Under – #101A Sunday
• Road Pony – Bike, Junior Exhibitor – #44A Friday Afternoon
• Saddle Seat Equitation – 13 Years & Under – #16A Thursday Evening Regular class entry fees apply to added classes; no post entry fee will be charged.

Age group changes due to added 13 and under classes:
• Saddle Seat Equitation – Rider 14-17 Years – #20 Thursday Evening (change due to added 13 Years & Under class, #16A)
• Show Pleasure Three Gaited – 14-17 Years – #44 Friday Afternoon (change due to added 13 Years & Under class, #54A)

Also new this year at Mane Event: 
• Trainers of the top five horses will get 50% of entry fees in the $500 Five Gaited, Three Gaited and Fine Harness “Jackpot” Stakes; owners receive purse monies.
• Adult Finals added to Good Hands Finals, officially sponsored by National Horseman
• Six Open Pleasure/Any Breed classes

Although Mane Event’s weather hasn’t been average in recent years, according to Weather.com this year’s average temperature during show week should be 65º-63º. The free live-stream of Mane Event will again be on the USEF Network. Full and half banners are available for $500 and $250 respectively and include a live link and banner design. Mane Event offers an expansive class list with excellent options for amateurs showing performance and pleasure Saddlebreds and Hackneys, and boasts ideal facilities for showing young horses and ponies. Bret Day, Maria Gilman and Lisa Waller will judge all classes. To reserve stalls for Mane Event, contact Joy Meierhans, show manager, at 630/253-9765 or email JM@TheMeierhans.com. For a revised class schedule or prize list, visit: www.MidAmericaHorseShow.org.