Around the Rings — 2025 Holiday ShoDown by ShoMe Horse Shows

Some say open horse shows are becoming a thing of the past – dwindling pieces of nostalgia for horse lovers.

Kurtis and Liz Gear, who own and operate ShoMe Horse Shows, have taken that assumption about open shows and turned it on its head, producing a series so popular, the stalls sell out in minutes. The Michigan-based open, all-breed circuit offers sweepstakes classes, English, western, and more, plus a different theme at each show.

The latest show, the Holiday ShoDown, December 12-14, 2025, at MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI, offered nonstop holiday fun!

For example, in addition to regular classes, exhibitors could also Garland Ride Barrels, described by the show as a holiday cloverleaf pattern completed in sync! “Teams will be given a strand of garland, of a suitable length. Each exhibitor, while mounted, will hold on to one end, with their partner on the opposite end. Time will start and off they’ll go! If either rider is forced to drop their garland or if it rips, they’re out! Choose wisely – a well-matched partner is the key to success in this event! May be ridden English or Western (helmets required).”

Another fun class: Egg & Cane Holiday Hurdles, a twist on an exhibitor favorite. The show describes the strategy: “Participants must balance an egg on the “hook” of their candy cane as they navigate various gait changes and maneuvers. But wait! This isn’t your typical easy going rail class, we’re throwing in poles and even a bridge! A smooth mount and a steady hand will cinch you the win! Exhibitors may choose to ride Western or English.”

Then there was the social aspect of the show, which included events like a Hot Cocoa Social, Holiday Cookie Decorating, the annual stall decorating contest, and lots of great shopping.

Thank you to KRC Photography, who always supplies us with a wonderful set of candid photos for each show, so our readers get to glimpse the fun!  View the website with all photos: Holiday ShoDown | December 12th – 14th Photos

Congratulations to the High Point winners of the ShoMe Holiday ShoDown!

Ranch Horse

Grand: Aliyah Kuizenga & Baylite Jac

Reserve: Jeanne Hugo & Dynamic King Zephyr

Finalist: Alyssa Waren & Slide Me A Six

Open Non-Stock Horse

Grand: Lilian Fitch & Queen Of Satin Hearts

Reserve: Mia Havlik & Urbanus G Fan’e Rydwei

Finalist: Ava Thorsby & Ascension Of Genesis

Select Senior Division

Grand: Jennifer Kiser & Bleu Lite Special

Reserve: Donna Kirby & My Signature Moves

Finalist: Heidi Fast & I’m Just Too Kool

Green Rider 19 & Over

Grand: Ashton Hedrick & Natural Hero

Reserve: Madison Amy & You Midas Well Luv Me

Finalist: Kennedy Eggleston & Blue Collar Fancy

Green Rider 11-18

Grand: Morgan Felty & Shes A Special Asset

Reserve: Elizabeth Hoffman & Libertys Classic Storm

Finalist: Ava McIntosh & Mr Bellson

Green Rider 10 & Under

Grand: Gemma Bontrager & I Know I Am Invited

Reserve: Lauren Brzozowski & Whizzys Lemon Twist

Finalist: Ashlynn Higelmire & Always Notice Me

Open Green Horse

Grand: Brook Rogalski & Luna One Special Asset

Reserve: Samantha Vanbeek & Im Flashy No Doubt

Finalist: Brylin Lee & Prestigously Ready

Stock Horse 30 & Over

Grand: Kasey McKay & Special Kinda Lazy

Reserve: Meggen Baynes & BMQ Legendary

Finalist: Sue Frank & Mac’s Kool Legacy

Stock Horse 19-29

Grand: Kennedy Peplinski & Total Hotness

Reserve: Katie Main & Blazing Potential

Finalist: Cassidy Bartkowiak & I’m Gentleman Jack

Stock Horse 16-18

Grand: Hailey Smith & Money On My Mind

Reserve: Jenna Morse & Hes So Extreme

Finalist: Elizabeth Smith & Good Lookin Flatline

Stock Horse 13-15

Grand: Ivy Bontrager & Kissin My Invitation

Reserve: Avery Gentner & SipinSumthinSouthern

Finalist: Fisher Mayes & Now Look At This

Stock Horse 12 & Under

Grand: Sophia Tenney & Only In De Moonlight

Reserve: Olivia Cronkright & Invested Lotsa Gold

Finalist: Avery Gawronski & See My Details

2 & Under Horse

Grand: Christina DeSota & Shez Got The Rhythm

Reserve: Brylynn Balon & Prince Charming

Finalist: Neidera Laforrest & Good Vital Dreamin

 

 

Class results:

CLASS RESULTS