Participant Applications
Michigan Horse Expo brings together horse enthusiasts of all disciplines for an educational, engaging, and family-friendly experience. Participants play a vital role in creating a high-quality event that showcases equine products, services, education, and horsemanship.
Please complete the application in full and provide all required information to ensure proper review and placement. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance. All applications are reviewed to ensure a balanced, diverse, and educational experience for attendees.
Applications Due January 31, 2026!
Think you and your horse have what it takes to rise above the rest? We’re inviting skilled, confident horse-and-rider teams to apply for a limited number of competitor spots in the Brave Horse Extreme Cowboy Challenge (March 7, 2026).
Only a select number of applicants will be chosen to take on this challenge for the chance to earn the coveted title of 𝘽𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙃𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝘾𝘽𝘿 𝙀𝙭𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙬𝙗𝙤𝙮 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙤𝙣
If you’re ready to showcase your horsemanship, push your limits, and compete in one of the most exciting events of the Expo—apply now and prove you’re brave enough to ride with the best.
Info about the competition:
-Timed event
-Each obstacle scored 1-10
-Fastest time gets 10pts bonus, 2nd fastest 9pts, etc….
-Obstacles may include: -Mount/Dismount, Dismount w/ ground tie, Bridge, Teeter Totter, Tarp, Deadfall, Jump, Serpentine, Cowboy Curtain, Backing Pattern, Side Passing, Roping, Dragging, Water Obstacle, Flag Carrying
Redirecting and Rehabilitating "Bad Horses": Seeking 2-3 problem horses to participate in an educational training clinic with Brandt Clark on Friday, March 6. This is a unique opportunity for horse owners facing real-world challenges—such as behavioral issues, lack of confidence, groundwork struggles, or under-saddle concerns.
Being Successful on Trails and Obstacles: Seeking 2-3 riders with horses to participate in the Being Successful on Trails and Obstacles clinic. This interactive clinic will focus on building confidence, communication, and practical skills needed to navigate real-world trail scenarios and common obstacles safely and successfully.
Selected rider-and-horse pairs will work through trail and obstacle elements while demonstrating techniques for improving responsiveness, balance, and trust. Horses of various experience levels are welcome, as the clinic is designed to be educational, encouraging, and adaptable to each pair’s needs.
Colt Starting: Seeking 2-3 young, unstarted, or lightly started horse to participate in the Colt Starting clinics. These live demonstrations will focus on establishing a solid foundation through safe, humane, and effective training methods that prioritize the horse’s confidence and understanding.
Selected horses will be used to demonstrate the early stages of colt starting, including groundwork, first rides (as appropriate), and the development of clear communication between horse and trainer.
The Michigan Horse Expo is seeking 2–3 horses to participate in two educational saddle-focused clinics: “What to Look for When Buying a New or Used Saddle” on Saturday, March 7 at 5:00 PM, and “Posture and Performance to Enhance the Saddle Fit” on Sunday, March 8 at 1:00 PM.
Participating horses must be extremely gentle, not herd bound, and able to stand quietly for extended periods. Owners should be comfortable having their horse and/or tack evaluated in a live, educational setting and have a good sense of humor and “thick skin,” as the clinics are designed to be honest, informative, and beneficial to the audience. Owners may also be asked to ride during the clinic and should feel fully confident doing so.
These clinics offer a valuable opportunity to gain professional insight while helping educate fellow horse owners in a supportive, learning-focused environment. Owners interested in having their horse considered are encouraged to apply.
The Michigan Horse Expo is seeking 3 rider-and-horse pairs to participate in the Perfecting Patterns: Horsemanship & Equitation clinic on Saturday, March 7 at 5:00 PM.
Selected participants will work through pattern elements while focusing on rider position, accuracy, transitions, and overall horsemanship and equitation fundamentals in a live, educational environment. Horses should be calm, responsive, and comfortable in an arena setting, and riders should feel confident riding in front of an audience and open to instruction.
This clinic is designed to be constructive, encouraging, and beneficial for both participants and spectators. Interested riders are encouraged to apply for consideration.
The Michigan Horse Expo is seeking 1–2 horses to participate in two educational clinics: “Problem Solving (With Mental and Emotional Preparation)” on Friday, March 6 at 6:00 PM, and “Proper Preparation Fixes Issues” on Saturday, March 7 at 10:00 AM.
Selected horses will be used to demonstrate practical techniques for addressing common challenges by focusing on mental readiness, emotional balance, and thoughtful preparation. Horses of varying experience levels may be considered, provided they are safe to handle and suitable for a live, learning-focused environment.
These clinics are designed to be constructive, supportive, and educational for both participants and spectators. Owners interested in having their horse considered are encouraged to apply.