Wisconsin Futurity Horse Show 2022 - Top Reined Cow Horse Event

Introduction to the Wisconsin Futurity Horse Show

The Wisconsin Futurity Horse Show is an annual event held in Madison, Wisconsin that attracts top equine competitors from across the country. Known as "The Midwest's Premiere Reined Cow Horse Event", the futurity show features cutting, reining and working cow classes for horses aged three years old and under. With over $200,000 in prize money up for grabs, the Wisconsin Futurity draws talented horse and rider duos aiming to showcase their skills and take home a share of the payouts.

First held in 2007, the Wisconsin Futurity has continued to grow in popularity and prestige over the past decade and a half. The event is sanctioned by the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) and managed by the Wisconsin Reined Cow Horse Association (WRCHA). It takes place each July at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, occupying three arenas for competitions over four days.

Competition Classes

The Wisconsin Futurity offers a full slate of reined cow horse competition classes across multiple judging categories. The main class divisions include:

• Open - For professional horse trainers and exhibitors
• Non Pro - For amateur riders and owners
• Youth - For junior competitors aged 13 and under
• Level 1 Non Pro - For amateur riders competing at an introductory level

Within each division, there are individual and herd work competitions in cutting, reining and fence work maneuvers. Horses as young as two years old may enter certain classes, while the three year old futurity classes offer the biggest payouts and focus on showcasing newly trained reined cow horses.

2022 Wisconsin Futurity Highlights

The 2022 edition of the Wisconsin Futurity Horse Show was held from July 13-17 at the Alliant Energy Center. Over 300 entries competed across the various classes and divisions, making it one of the biggest turnouts in the history of the event.

In the prestigious Open Futurity class, professional trainer and rider Austin Shepard piloted ARC Gunna Spark Ya to the championship. The flashy sorrel mare impressed the judges with her athletic maneuvers to earn the winner's paycheck of over $14,000. Shepard also took second place in the Open Futurity finals with his other entry, Sweet ReformaCat.

The Non Pro Futurity saw Wisconsin native Corey Cushing ride WR This Chics Smart to top honors and over $7,500 in earnings. Cushing bested a field of 38 other amateur competitors to claim the title after marking a 717 score in the finals. His consistent and polished runs showcased his deep connection with the athletic mare he also owns and bred.

Other big winners included Wallace, Idaho trainer Jake Telford, who guided Metallic Catty to win the Level 1 Non Pro Futurity with an overall score of 705.5. Young gun Kade Henry took the Youth Futurity championship aboard his horse CC Enterprise after stellar performances in the herd work and reined work segments.

Key Rules and Judging

To understand the Wisconsin Futurity Horse Show, it helps to know some of the key rules and judging procedures that competitors are scored on. Futurity classes evaluate a reined cow horse's ability to execute precise maneuvers while working with both a cow and freely in the arena. The goal is to demonstrate the agility, speed and finesse needed to manage cattle.

Mandatory equipment for the horses includes a western saddle and bridle, as well as proper western attire for the riders. Allowed training equipment is limited to prevent gaining an unfair advantage. Horses are judged on their responsiveness, attitude and overall grace of movement.

Major judging elements for the different components include:

• Herd Work - Reading and reacting to cattle, degree of difficulty of maneuvers, eye appeal, time worked
• Reined Work - Execution of pattern, smoothness of transitions, quality of stops, spins and rolls backs
• Fence Work - Control and position on cow, degree of difficulty, eye appeal, time worked

Penalties are given if horses or riders break gait, lose the cow, or exhibit undisciplined behavior. Judges score each run on a scale of 0-80 in the prelims up to 0-230 in the finals. The horse and rider pairs with the highest combined scores become the champions.

Madison's Ideal Host Venue

Part of the Wisconsin Futurity's continued success comes from its excellent host venue at the Alliant Energy Center. Located in Madison, the facility offers three climate-controlled arenas plus ample stalling room to accommodate the 300+ horses that compete at the event.

The Coliseum is the main 7,500 seat arena where the finals, short go rounds and many of the major classes are held. This arena has spectator seating, professional lighting and sound, and ample warmup and exercise space for the equine athletes. Nearby is the Exhibition Hall used for additional classes and warmup.

Outside are more arenas for cutting, ranch horse classes and further warmups. The New Holland Pavilions house over 700 stalls where competitors can keep their horses safely and comfortably during the show. The Pavilions are connected to the Coliseum and Exhibition Hall via a tunnel, allowing easy access between the barns and competition zones.

Madison offers an incredibly welcoming and horse-friendly atmosphere. With the University of Wisconsin located here, the city provides great dining, shopping and lodging options for futurity attendees. The Alliant Energy Center itself contains ample parking for trucks and trailers, along with onsite dining and concession services.

Preparing for the Wisconsin Futurity

For competitors, preparing for the Wisconsin Futurity requires months of training, conditioning and strategic planning. Most begin early in the year by mapping out which classes to enter, purchasing cattle for practice, and stepping up training programs. Here are some top tips for getting ready:

Start Young Horses Early

Competing in futurity events requires early and correct training of two and three year olds. Successful trainers and exhibitors begin the groundwork and saddle breaking phases as yearlings, using techniques suitable for the young horse's mind and body.

Introducing cattle work slowly is key, focusing first on basic maneuvers before advancing to more difficult fence and herd scenarios. Time spent perfecting reining fundamentals also pays off when asking the young horse for delicate spins, rollbacks and stops.

Conditioning and Health Routines

Reined cow horse competition places huge physical and mental demands on young horses. A regular conditioning program improves endurance, responsiveness and athleticism. Most trainers incorporate some combination of long trotting, loping, trail riding, equine exercisers and turnouts.

Closely monitoring nutrition, dental health and hoof care also helps keep horses in peak shape. Treatments like chiropractic, acupuncture and massage can help with body alignment and muscle issues. Preventive care like vaccines and deworming are essential when young horses are vulnerable to illnesses.

Seek Coaching and Clinics

Working with proven coaches, trainers and clinicians enhances skills and preparation. They can evaluate horse-rider teams and provide training tips, especially for inexperienced competitors. Attending relevant clinics is useful, as is scheduling practice sessions with helpful horsemen based at your home barn or nearby.

For selecting futurity prospects, many also consult with professional breeders to source talented, pedigree-backed young horses with suitable conformation and temperaments.

Frequent Showing

Entering lead up shows helps prepare horses and riders for the atmosphere of bigger events. Local reined cow horse competitions, open horse shows, and age-specific derbies offer valuable experience in the show environment.

Being strategic about show scheduling prevents overexhibiting young horses. Monitoring energy levels and recovery times ensures they peak correctly for the futurity event.

The Excitement of Futurity Competitions

The Wisconsin Futurity Horse Show brings all the excitement and prestige of top-level reined cow horse competitions. Both professional and amateur competitors are drawn by the chance to win life-changing payouts and acclaimed championships by showcasing their talents.

Futurity events provide the perfect opportunity to feature promising young horses in the early stages of their careers. Spectators can witness the agility and athleticism of the equine athletes working with both cattle and on their own in the arena. The backing of the NRHA and WRCHA adds further prestige.

For the Wisconsin reined cow horse community, the annual futurity show in Madison brings together breeders, owners, trainers and exhibitors in a spectacular celebration of the breed. With increasing numbers of entries each year, the Wisconsin Futurity Horse Show maintains its reputation as a highlight on the upper midwest reined cow horse calendar.

FAQs

What are the major classes at the Wisconsin Futurity?

The main classes are the Open, Non Pro, Youth and Level 1 Non Pro Futurity competitions. Within each division there are cutting, reining and cow work classes. Horses aged 2 and 3 years old compete in their respective futurity events.

What is the total payout for the Wisconsin Futurity?

The total prize money is over $200,000 which is distributed among the various class winners. The Open Futurity typically has the highest payouts, with over $14,000 to the champion in 2022.

What type of horses compete at the Wisconsin Futurity?

American Quarter Horses, American Paint Horses and Appaloosas are most common. Top bloodlines include Dual Pep, High Brow Cat, Metallic Cat, Gunners Special Nite and more.

Where is the Wisconsin Futurity Horse Show held?

The event takes place annually in July at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI. The facility offers three climate-controlled arenas plus ample stabling.

How can I get involved with the Wisconsin Futurity?

Spectators can purchase day passes. Competitors can enter appropriate classes upon meeting eligibility rules. Sponsors, vendors and volunteers also help support the event.