Legendary Equine Affaire Coming to Ohio April 10-13
Press release
Plenty of great horses, a roster of talented horse people, oodles of great horse products for sale, and a dash of equestrian competition and entertainment all make up the ingredients for Equine Affaire—the nation’s most popular equestrian gathering. The 49th Equine Affaire will launch April 10-13, 2014 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus and provide horse enthusiasts from throughout the Midwest and beyond with the opportunity to gather with horse-loving family and friends and indulge their passion for horses.
Since its inception in 1994 Equine Affaire has become the nation’s “Mecca” for horse-related education, shopping, networking, entertainment, exploration, hanging out with fellow horse people, and immersion in all things equine. Equine Affaire has attracted more than 100,000 horse enthusiasts to Columbus over the four days of the event, and, according to the Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau, last year’s show poured an estimated $26,785,209 into the local economy.
The 2014 Equine Affaire will offer a wealth of opportunities for equestrians including the largest horse-related trade show in North America, an educational program that will have something to offer for riders of all levels and tastes, Equine Affaire’s exciting Versatile Horse & Rider Competition, and the expo’s signature evening performance, the Fantasia. With a schedule of more than 200 educational sessions in seven venues, acres of exhibits to browse, breed and youth pavilions, and special events scheduled throughout the day and evening, horse fanciers will have plenty of activities to keep them busy.
Education forms the cornerstone of every Equine Affaire, and a top-notch list of clinicians has been assembled to present clinics on a broad spectrum of equestrian disciplines at this year’s event. Among those who are scheduled to present sessions on general horse training and riding topics are Guy McLean, Stacy Westfall, Kerry Kuhn, Tommie Turvey, and Richard Winters. Clinicians who will be addressing western disciplines will include Stacy Westfall on reining, Molly Powell on barrel racing, Richard Winters on reined cow horse, Dana Hokana on western pleasure, Kenda Lenseigne on mounted shooting, and Jeff Wilson on western dressage. The English disciplines will be well represented by Janet Foy and Michael Barisone on dressage, Bernie Traurig on jumping, Jim Wofford on eventing, Marc Johnson on driving, Wendy Gruskiewicz on hunter pleasure, and Dana Hokana on hunter under saddle.
Carol Coppinger will share her expertise in Parelli Natural Horse-Man-Ship, Gary Lane will present sessions on the training of easy gaited horses, and Tommie Turvey will teach the art of training trick horses. Clinics on equine and equestrian biomechanics will be offered by Karen Ososki, and Heidi Potter will provide sessions on Centered Riding® and agility. Equine Affaire’s extensive program of clinics, seminars, and demonstrations will be conducted in the dotHorse arena, the Rod’s Equestrian Experience Pavilion, Cooper Arena, the Voinovich arena, the seminar stage, and the Cosequin and Youth Pavilion demo rings and offer a wealth of information as well as a diverse variety of training philosophies.
“Foundation First” Clinic Series Added to the Schedule
Regardless of their disciplines and individual training styles, nearly all horse trainers agree that effective and individualized foundation training is essential to the proper training of all horses. In recognition of the importance of the initial training experience, Equine Affaire will feature a Foundation First clinic series from Thursday through Sunday. Through a sequence of sessions, Guy McLean and Richard Winters will each train one unbroke horse for riding, and attendees and horse owners will be able to observe their progress through daily clinics.
The Foundation First clinics will NOT be a race or competition. The focus will be on creating the proper foundation in training a horse to be ridden and on progressing at the rate that is appropriate for the individual horse. Both clinicians will present their horses during special sessions on Sunday during which they will discuss the specific challenges associated with the training of their horses and why they used the training approaches they used.
Introducing the New Rod’s Equestrian Experience Pavilion
Equine Affaire will feature a broader range of equestrian disciplines and more breed spotlights than ever before with the creation of the new Equestrian Experience Pavilion sponsored by Columbus-based, Rod’s Western Palace. Disciplines as diverse as sidesaddle, vaulting, polo, jousting, dressage, drill teams, pony pulling, gymkhana, racing, cutting, western dressage, agility, and reining will be showcased through sessions presented by associations and clinicians representing these sports at the local, regional, and national levels. The sessions will be introductory in nature and will complement the more in-depth training clinics conducted by clinicians in the other arenas.
In addition to showcasing disciplines, the new Rod’s Equestrian Experience Pavilion will provide an additional venue for breed associations and Horse & Farm exhibitors to present their horses. Horse breeds will be presented in groups by “types” including gaited horses, easy gaited horses, sport horses, stock horses, drafts, ponies, etc., and breed segments will be alternated with discipline showcases. By showcasing the breeds and disciplines that make up the “equestrian experience,” the new pavilion will provide a great introduction to the horse world for those who are new to horses—as well as a wonderful opportunity for seasoned equestrians to explore new breeds and equestrian activities.
Catch all of the Action of the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition!
Equine Affaire’s hugely popular Versatile Horse & Rider Competition promises to be a highlight of the 2014 event. The competition is a timed and judged race through an obstacle course that is designed not only to push horse and rider teams out of their traditional “comfort zones,” but also to test communication between horse and rider and the horsemanship skills and athletic abilities of each competing team. Thirty pre-selected horse and rider teams will compete for the title of “Versatile Horse & Rider Competition Champion” and $5500 in cash and other prizes.
“The Versatile Horse & Rider Competition is a true test of horsemanship for those who are willing to put their riding skills on the line—and a whole lot of fun for horse people in the audience,” explained Eugenia Snyder, Equine Affaire’s Founder and President. “Riders in the audience mentally work through the course with each team and can’t help but wonder how their own horses would respond to the obstacles and how they would approach them. They also empathize with the contestants as their horses succeed at some obstacles and fall short at others. And, apart from the entertainment aspect of the VHRC, there is a strong educational element because you learn a lot by observing the different approaches of contestants riding a variety of breeds of horses through the same obstacles.”
The qualifying rounds for this year’s competition will be conducted on Thursday morning in Cooper Arena, and the top 10 teams will advance to the finals which will take place Friday afternoon in the coliseum. All around trainer, Kerry Kuhn, will judge the competition. Those planning to watch the action from the stands should be sure to get there early to get a seat for this popular competition at Equine Affaire.
The 2014 Fantasia – Sponsored by Buckeye Nutrition
The focus will shift from education to entertainment at Equine Affaire’s flagship equestrian extravaganza, the Fantasia, which will take place at 7:30pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights in the coliseum. As veteran Fantasia-goers have come to know, this special equine musical revue will feature a star-studded lineup of professional equestrian performers and exceptional horses choreographed to a wide variety of musical styles. Enjoy the beauty and diversity of horses of many breeds as well as the excitement of equestrian sports including freestyle reining, dressage, driving, drill teams, trick riding, trick horses, and more!
“The Fantasia is always a special opportunity to see some incredible horses and riders and witness some unforgettable performances,” said Eugenia Snyder. “In addition to enjoying the beauty and excitement of the various performances that make up the show, we have to marvel at the range of skills that horses possess, their extraordinary trainability, and their willingness to perform and excel in so many ways. The Fantasia is much more than equestrian entertainment—it’s truly a testament to the heart and soul of the amazing animals we love.”
The 2014 Fantasia will include performances that will cover the emotional gamut from the dramatic to the comedic, and Fantasia-goers can be prepared to be “moved,” amazed, and made to laugh. Headliners of the event will include two of the top liberty horse trainers in the business: Guy McLean and Tommie Turvey. Guy McLean will present his “signature” four-horse liberty act which must be seen to be believed—while Tommie Turvey will Roman ride a team of horses over a fire jump and engage his infamous paint horse, Poker Joe, in a battle of the wits. Other performers slated for the show include the award-winning Canadian Cowgirls drill team, Christine Drentwett and Caroline Williams (who will perform a garrocha pas de deux), Jeff Wilson presenting cowboy dressage aboard his Morgan stallion, Delview Catskill Valiant, and a host of other distinguished riders and handlers and unforgettable horses both large and small. The 2014 Fantasia will be a show that horse-loving Fantasia goers won’t soon forget.
A separate ticket is required, and tickets range in price from $12 to $25 plus seat selection fees. Advance tickets are available through March 31st and can be ordered online at equineaffaire.com or by calling Equine Affaire at (740) 845-0085. Any tickets not sold in advance will be available for purchase at the Information Booth in the Bricker Building beginning at 9:00am on Thursday at Equine Affaire.
Convenient, One-Stop Shopping
Put simply, Equine Affaire offers the best one-stop, horse-related shopping anywhere. At Equine Affaire horse lovers take a break from online shopping and don their most comfortable shoes to explore literally acres of equine-related retailers and manufacturers in a trade show that will fill four exhibit halls and the areas in between. Equine Affaire’s vast trade show will feature more than 450 vendors offering everything from tack and apparel to horse-care items and trailers. Whether you’re planning to build a barn, replace a fence, or install a riding arena or you’re shopping for new tack, attire, artwork, DVDs, or even a horse, you’ll find information, manufacturers, retailers, associations, equine service providers, and plenty of other horse-related sources at Equine Affaire.
Horses Are the Focus of the “Affaire”
Whether your passion is for a large horse or a small one, a pleasure horse or a competitive mount, a gray, a pinto, or a bay, you’ll find it within Equine Affaire’s Breed Pavilion and Horse & Farm Exhibits. The Breed Pavilion in the Voinovich Center and the Horse & Farms Exhibits in the Gilligan Complex will showcase dozens of breeds of horses from North and South America, Europe, and beyond. Knowledgeable horse breeders and association reps will be on hand to answer questions about characteristics, uses, bloodlines, and horse selection and share with you information about their associations and club activities. Come to Equine Affaire to experience a full taste of the horse world and research horses for sale, stallions at stud, training and breeding facilities, and various equine-related services from throughout the Midwest.
Buy and Sell Quality Consigned Items at the New Marketplace
Equine Affaire attendees should make plans to both buy and sell what they need at the new Marketplace at Equine Affaire—a consignment “shop” that will feature quality items for both horse and rider! At the Marketplace attendees will have a unique opportunity to market their unwanted items for up to four days to the tens of thousands of avid horsemen who attend Equine Affaire . . . as well as browse through a vast array of consigned items and discover bargains on the things they and their families need to get ready for the upcoming riding season. Where else can a horse person find more potential buyers for his unwanted equine and equestrian items while also enjoying the ultimate horse-related educational program and equestrian shopping experience than Equine Affaire–the largest “horse fest” in North America?
A Special Place for the Next Generation
Equine Affaire’s Youth Pavilion will host a variety of exhibits and activities geared to the interests of horse-crazy kids of all ages. In addition to educational and horse-related youth association exhibits, the Youth Pavilion will feature a full schedule of presentations by many of the horse industry’s most popular educators, demonstrations of horse breeds, daily stick horse rodeos sponsored by Wahl Clipper Corp., an equine trivia quest, and many other activities specially for kids. Get up close and personal with several equine stars at the Celebrity Horse Showcase located in the Youth Pavilion . . . and don’t forget to bring your camera!
Ticket Prices
You can enjoy all that Equine Affaire has to offer—the clinics and seminars, the shopping, the specialty pavilions, and the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition for the price of a single-day or multi-day general admission ticket. Adult admission is only $15/day (and includes a free event program) and youth (age 7-10) admission is only $8/day. A four-day pass for adults is also available for just $50—a savings of $10 off of the daily rate.
Round up your horse-loving family, friends, and barn mates and plan your April getaway. Equine Affaire makes your trip even more affordable with special room blocks and discount rates at dozens of area host hotels.. Camping with hookups is available right at the Ohio Expo Center on a first-come, first-served basis. Consult equineaffaire.com for hotel details, updated information on room availability, and information on camping.
