Around the Rings – 2025 Michigan Apple Blossom Circuit September Show

The Michigan Apple Blossom Circuit is a popular and high-quality open show circuit, established in 1998, held in Lansing, Michigan! The latest of the three-show circuit, held September 26-28, 2025, hosted judges Art O’Brien and Brent Tincher, and from what we have read, 2025 was an epic year for the circuit.

“2025 was one of the biggest years in the Apple Blossom’s 28 year history and the team enjoyed seeing faithful exhibitors known for years and new faces at every show,” confirms show management.  “This year the show paid out nearly $14,000 in jackpot payouts, awarded $15,390 in class placing gift certificates, ran close to 600 showmanship patterns, averaged over 1000 entries per judge per show and served 75 dozen donuts to exhibitors.”

Show founder Mark Russell says plainly, “The staff is what makes this happen – we do not use volunteers – and the members of our team have all shown horses at high levels. They all know what it is like to stand at a cone, forget a pattern, leave your pants tucked in your boots, and be the last one standing when the awards are called.” As always, Mark works hard to find qualified, experienced judges – he contributes the show’s success to exceptional staff, judges and the innovations that keep it moving forward.

“I can’t keep up with him,” laughs assistant manager Sara Fisher. “He is constantly finding new things that will bring more prizes and more fun to the show experience.” One of these innovations was the gift certificate program -every placing under every judge comes with a gift certificate award. Major sponsors Howell Western Wear, The Wire Horse, Dac, Tribute and Zeho Leatherworks stepped up and have been involved in the program since its inception.

Over the last two years the show went through an overhaul that has had a major impact. The revised showbill wraps showing around 2pm every Sunday. Saturday exhibitor dinners included a baked potato bar, walking tacos, french fries, burgers, and dogs.

Digitizing a majority of the processes has added value to exhibitors and streamlined paperwork. Scoresheets are readily available at the shows and online after the show wraps up, stall reservations, pre-entries, patterns and stall charts are all online. The exhibitor centered attitude of the team goes into every detail, every prize and every change. 2026 will be no different – “We are already looking at how to give more, make the experience smoother and be even better at what we do,” says Mark.

The show will remain in its permanent location at the Farm Bureau pavilion at Michigan State University; 2026 dates include May 15-17, June 26-28 and September 25-27.

Thank you to Michigan Apple Blossom Circuit for the amazing write-up above! Keep scrolling for results and more photos!

We’d also like to thank the official show photographer, KRC Photography, for yet another incredible gallery!  Find your arena photos for purchase on the photographer’s website: Michigan Apple Blossom Circuit | September 26th – 28th Photos

 

Congratulations to the September Show High Point Winners:

 

 

September 2025 scoresheets: Sept 25 Scoresheets – Google Drive

 

 

Season high points:  2025 Season High Points – Google Sheets