Let’s face it, farm life can be a little isolating sometimes. And as the services we need for our horses grow further and further apart, it can be harder to get in-person looks at updated equine tech, see a new trainer in action, or just buy some new horse books! That’s where equine conventions come in. With equestrian-themed expos, you can meet up with friends, do some hard-core shopping for your tack room, and see some of the best trainers in the world in action. You’ll come home happy and inspired. So let’s look at three of the best equine conventions coming your way this year.
Equine Affaire: This granddaddy of equine expos is still going strong after more than twenty years, with a northeastern and midwestern installment happening each fall and spring. Equine Affaire draws tens of thousands of equestrians to see its breed shows, trainer demos, and massive trade fair. There are even competition opportunities, with the extremely popular Versatile Horse & Rider competition, offered in both Ohio and Massachusetts. Even if you don’t bring your horse, you’re going to want to be in the audience for this incredible event, which asks horses to trust their riders through some pretty crazy stunts! Equine Affaire also features Fantasia, a stunning musical horse show.
Equine Affaire, Columbus, OH, Dates: April 6-9, 2017
Equine Affaire, W. Springfield, MA, Dates: November 9-12 2017
Western States Horse Expo: The west coast gets in on the expo action with this Sacramento-based event, inviting top clinicians, trainers and equestrian companies to demonstrate their latest and greatest. Taking place in summer at CalExpo, the expo also includes the Magnificent Seven All Around Stock Horse Championship, with horses showing off their versatility in herd work, rein work, steer stopping and fence work. Alongside headliner trainers like Pat Parelli and John Lyons, the event offers a scientific side as well, with presenters such as Dr. Deb Bennett, a conformation specialist.
Western States Horse Expo, Dates: June 9-11, 2017
Equestricon: Debuting this summer in Saratoga Springs, New York, Equestricon is billed as a first-of-its-kind expo for horse racing. Taking into account the diversity of the horse racing community, which includes everyone from gambling fans to owners to off-track thoroughbred trainers, Equestricon will feature panels and presenters for a variety of audiences. Activities include Hall of Fame tours with long-time Triple Crown race-caller Tom Durkin, OTTB Success Stories hosted by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, and Q & A’s on jobs in horse racing and photography. There will also be seminars, book-signings, and meet-ups, all during the Saratoga summer race meeting.
Equestricon, Dates: August 13-15, 2017
Ready to get out there and mingle with other equestrians? An equine expo is an awesome way to visit with friends, discover new products, learn new training techniques, and just enjoy a weekend with horses, without all the stress of horse showing!