Important Contestant Updates for March 2017

There’s something exciting about being only 60 plus days away from the start of the 48th annual Mule Days Celebration — especially if you and your mules and donkeys are champing the bit in the spring air wanting to start another successful season of competition. Bishop is blooming after an epic winter while the surrounding Sierra and White Mountains remain capped in thick white snow which will provide a stunning 2017 Celebration backdrop. Just as the season is changing, the mule show is finalizing many details thanks to the capable Show Committee. 2017 is going to be a year of “steady as she goes”, says Show Chairman Tom Hardy. A few changes in the Show have been made to improve the overall schedule and experience for competitors, otherwise much of 2016 schedule has been left in place for the 2017 event. The most important changes and updates have been highlighted below.

1. Cowboy Dressage

Cowboy Dressage classes will not be offered at 2017 Bishop Mule Days. Personnel from The Cowboy Dressage World organization cannot attend and since they provide both the Cowboy Dressage arena and experienced Cowboy Dressage judge, Mule Days cannot offer the class without their participation.

2. Class Entries

REMINDER! It’s time to submit at least some of your class entries in order to begin processing your participation at the 2017 Celebration. April 15th is the deadline for class entries to appear in the Mule Days Collectible Souvenir Magazine and also is the deadline to receive your $40 corral deposit back towards entry fees. Changes/additions to classes will be accepted up until 24 hours before each class, but “the-earlier-the-better” is the show office’s mantra.

3. Early Arrival to Mule Days

Due to the lease agreement with the Tri-County Fairgrounds and the terms of the insurance policy with the insurance company, Mule Days cannot provide stalling of animals or occupancy of RV spaces until noon Sunday, May 21st. A fee of $50 per day will be automatically assessed for early arrivals. A request to the Show Secretary can be made for exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances will also be assessed a fee of $50 per day.
Contact must be made with the Show Secretary requesting early arrival before you arrive at Mule Days.

4. World Champion Trophy Saddles and Reserve Champion Saddle Pads

Mule Days is proudly partnering with Terry Wagner of Three Bells Mules and Lee Roeser of McGee Creek Pack Station to provide World Champion Trophy Saddles for 2017. A total of five saddles will be awarded including the traditional award for Hi Point Mule and Hi Point Amateurs well as three additional World Championships. Featured for 2017 will be saddle Trophy Awards for World Champion Youth 6-13 and 14-17. The World Champion Packer will be awarded a pack saddle with rigging hand crafted by saddle maker Lee Roeser. A total of five saddle pads donated by 5 Star Equine Products will be awarded, one for each Reserve Champion for Hi Point Mule, Hi Point Amateur, Youth 6-13 and Youth 14-17.

Please contact the Show Secretary for additional information. 760-872-4263