Meet the People Behind Showtime Farms: The Story of Kenny and Nell Tekampe

Welcome to our very first blog post! We're so glad you're here. Pull up a fence rail, settle in, and let us introduce you to the heart and soul behind Showtime Farms.

When you drive down the driveway at 2604 280th Avenue in Salem, Wisconsin, you're not just arriving at a boarding and riding facility — you're stepping into a place built by two people who have devoted their lives to horses. That's the story of Kenny and Nell Tekampe, and it's one worth telling.

A Partnership Built Over Decades

Kenny and Nell have been business partners for over 30 years, and the depth of that partnership shows in everything at Showtime. They share not just a vision for what a horse farm can be, but a work ethic that people around here will tell you is truly unmatched. Horses have always been the common thread running through both of their lives — and together, they've turned that shared passion into something exceptional.

Kenny Tekampe: Horseman Through and Through

Kenny comes from a long line of horsemen. A third-generation horseman and second-generation horseshoer, horses aren't just his livelihood — they're in his blood. He has owned and operated Kenny Tekampe Horseshoeing for over 30 years, serving Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, and he brings that same hands-on expertise to every corner of Showtime Farms. Kenny oversees the daily operations and maintenance of the farm, and if you need horseshoeing, horse hauling, or just a straight answer from someone who has seen it all, Kenny is your guy. When he's not working, you'll likely find him team roping with his horse "Roper," spending time at church, or out on the water enjoying a day on his boat.

Nell Tekampe: A Legend in the Horse Industry

If you spend any time in the horse world of the Midwest — or really anywhere in the country — chances are you've heard the name Nell Tekampe. With nearly 30 years of experience in the industry, Nell has built a career and reputation that few can match. She is an AQHA, APHA, and PtHA Professional Horseman, an APHA Certified Clinician, and has been inducted into the Pinto Horse Association Hall of Fame and recognized as Horse Woman of the Year — honors that reflect a lifetime of dedication, knowledge, and integrity. Before purchasing Showtime Farms in 2016, Nell managed some of the largest, most respected, and well run boarding, breeding, and horse sale operations in the Midwest

Nell is a multi-carded international horse show judge, holding credentials with 17 associations and breeds, including AQHA, APHA, NSBA, PtHA, USEF, ApHC, and many more. She has judged World and National shows for numerous associations and currently serves on the PtHA Past Presidents and Long Range Planning Committee. In 2023, she served as the PtHA National President.

— so when she says she knows what a truly excellent facility looks like, she has earned every word of it. In her quieter moments, Nell is also an artist, competes in Spartan Races and shares her home with her beloved Russian Maine Coon cats.

What Brought Them to Salem

After managing horse farms for others for more than a decade, and looking for the perfect property for over a year, the stars aligned and all the pieces fell into place. In 2016, Nell and Kenny acquired Showtime Farms, and the transformation since has been a testament to what two dedicated, knowledgeable horsemen can accomplish when they put their minds — and their hearts — into something. From the custom-built facility and beautifully maintained barns and pastures to the direct access to 13 miles of scenic state park trails bordering the property, everything here was designed with both horse and rider in mind.

Their Philosophy

Ask Nell or Kenny what drives them and the answer is simple: do right by the horse, do right by the rider, and never cut corners. That philosophy is woven into every lesson, every training session, every stall cleaned and every horse cared for at Showtime. It's why riders of all ages and levels feel at home here. It's why horse owners sleep well at night knowing their animals are here. And it's why this place feels different the moment you arrive.

We are so proud to share our story with you, and we look forward to many more posts where we'll take you behind the scenes, introduce you to our incredible team, and give you a front-row seat to life at Showtime Farms.

Take the tour first hand and watch the Showtime farms private tour video on YouTube https://youtu.be/IGy76WhbdXI?si=TbL2uHbS6IM5eHpi

Welcome home.

— Kenny and Nell Tekampe Owners, Showtime Farms