Judges and Facility Update for Jubilee Morgan Regional

In the fall of last year, Illinois State Fairgrounds officials deemed the historic Coliseum and the competition home of the Jubilee Regional Morgan Horse Show to be unsafe for exhibitors and animals. Since then plans to fix the structural problems have been slow going due to budget constraints and funding. This has left many shows in limbo but in the last month officials have released their plans and shows now have information to move forward. The great news is that the Jubilee Regional will be held at the Fairgrounds in Springfield and all of the stabling will remain the same. Improvements have been made in the stabling area with new and repaired roofs and better drainage. The show arena will be moved to the covered outdoor arena that was previously used for our dressage, trail, jumping and work arena. Fairgrounds officials have plans underway to put up walls around the arena making it better in inclement weather and adding seating to accommodate spectators. Future plans include adding air conditioning and heating in that area as well. This will become the main ring for the Fairgrounds until the Coliseum is back in working order. “Though we will miss the Coliseum, this fairgrounds is still one of the most horse and exhibitor friendly facilities in the country. We will continue to host a complete schedule, fun parties and incredibly beautiful Morgans and their riders,” Jubilee President Betsy Bishop said.

The show will go on beginning Wednesday morning, August 30th with the in-hand and performance classes with Kathleen Peeples of Oxford, NJ and Katie Mair of Howell, MI handling the judging assignments. "We are excited to have these two experienced horsewomen in center ring judging this year’s show," Bishop added.

The 9th Annual Morgan Weanling Gala will also showcase the offspring of 19 nominated stallions Friday evening following the performance session. The Gala made its home at the 2009 Jubilee and has grown and continued to offer a night of beautiful weanlings in a venue all its own. “Celebrating the labors of our Morgan breeders has deep roots at the Jubilee and The Gala has been a meaningful way to carry on that tradition,” Bishop said.

Championship classes and Jubilee Hall of Fame presentations will round out the 52nd Annual show on Saturday evening, September 2nd. “Our Morgan community is strong and although change can lead to uncertainty, we will guarantee the same spirit of friendship and competition at this year’s show. We hope that our previous exhibitors will continue to support our show in our new show arena and welcome all new exhibitors.” Bishop concluded.

All show information, prize lists, sponsorship and entry forms can be found at www.jubileemorganhorseshow.com in the coming month. For questions prior to, please contact Show President Betsy Bishop at 217-836-5055, Make plans now to attend this year’s show and close out a great summer show season with us in Springfield, IL.