March 2nd is The Day of the Horse!

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The State of Illinois officially has recognized March 2, as Illinois Day of the Horse. This day is to signify and promote awareness for the importance of this majestic creature. Horses are not only an important part of our past they are an important part of our present and future. The proclamation urges citizens of Illinois to recognize the importance of horses to our economy, recreation and heritage and enthusiastically lend support to Illinois’ equine industry.

The proclamation kicks off Illinois Horse Fair, Legends & Youth…The Trail to the Future, March 2-4, 2018 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield. Horse Fair features vendors, wide ranging clinics, Fairgrounds Showdown, up and coming Country music entertainers Murphy500, Breed & Sport Demos, Stallions on Parade, Horse for Sale aisles, educational seminars, and a queen pageant.

Horse Fair kicks off on Friday at 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and includes a free preview of vendors from 5-7 p.m. Illinois Horse Fair continues Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Murphy500 concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Horse Fair concludes Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Advance ticket prices: single day tickets adult: $13.50, child (6-12): $8.50, Senior 60+: $8.50. Evening event (per event ticket): $8.50. 3-Day Mega Pass: adult: $26.50, Child (6-12): $16.50, senior 60+: $16.50. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.illinoishorsefair.com/ticketing as well as through our Facebook page.

Weekend of Horse Fair ticket prices: single day tickets adult: $15.00, child (6-12): $10.00, senior 60+: $10.00. Evening event (per event ticket): $10.00. 3-Day Mega Pass: adult: $30.00, child (6-12): $20.00, senior 60+: $20.00.

Illinois Horse Fair is the largest all-breed horse event at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Proceeds from the Illinois Horse Fair provide funding to educational scholarships, equestrian disaster relief, and equestrian advocacy throughout Illinois.

Illinois Horse Fair is produced by Horsemen’s Council of Illinois, an affiliate chapter of the American Horse Council. HCI is the statewide “organization of organizations” and individuals providing central leadership and advocacy for Illinois’ 64,000 horse owners, 178,000 horses and its diverse $1.2 billion equine industry.