What’s new with North America’s premier equine exposition?
For the staff, crew, and connections of Equine Affaire, “elevating the equestrian experience since 1994” is more than our tag line. It’s a faithful summary of our grounding mission, and we are proud to serve the people and horses of our industry through our events, which include educational programs, networking opportunities, adoption events, interactive activities, and more. This week, on April 11-14 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Equine Affaire will mark the 30th anniversary of our flagship event in Ohio with four days of exciting activities, all centered around horses and horse people.
In addition to celebrating this milestone event, Equine Affaire is proud to announce its selection as a finalist for the Equine Industry Vision Award, which is presented by American Horse Publications and sponsored by Zoetis. The Equine Industry Vision Award is given annually in recognition of outstanding leadership, creativity, and meritorious contribution toward positive changes in the equine industry. This year’s class of finalists includes Equine Affaire, Glenn Hebert, The United States Pony Clubs, Inc, and #WeRideTogether.
“We are honored to be finalists for this prestigious award alongside such outstanding individuals and organizations,” says Coagi Long, president and owner of Equine Affaire. “From our attendees to our presenters to our volunteers and staff, everyone who comes to Equine Affaire every year comes to celebrate the horse and to elevate the industry. We’re proud to have been working for the horse industry for thirty years, and we look forward to spending another thirty years promoting and serving the horse. Being selected as a finalist for the Vision Award is a wonderful way to kickstart our celebrations this week.”
The 2024 Equine Affaire in Ohio will include all the mainstays and activities that our fans and attendees have come to know and love, plus a selection of new and exciting features in honor of an extra-special anniversary. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s new this spring:
- Cowtown in Cooper, sponsored by Western Life Today, is a brand-new educational feature that will launch on Friday, April 12, and Saturday, April 13! Some of the industry’s most cow-savvy clinicians, including Steve Lantvit, Ken McNabb, Dave Treharne, and Tanner Keith, will present clinics on a variety of cow-oriented Western disciplines in the Cooper Arena. Horses and riders in the clinics will have the opportunity to work with cattle under the expert guidance and tutelage of these clinicians, while audience members will learn valuable lessons about working with cattle, as well as practical methods for continuing their skills at home sans cattle. For a full schedule of Cowtown clinics, review the event schedule today: https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-educational-program/ohio-presenters/.
- The Best Booth Award Contest launched at our 2023 Massachusetts event, and we are proud to bring it to Ohio so that we can recognize the hard work of our trade show’s most outstanding exhibitors. The Best Booth Award Contest will begin on Thursday as soon as the photos and names of five finalists are published on Equine Affaire’s Facebook and Instagram profiles. Once posted, it’s up to the audience to vote for their favorite booth display. On Saturday at noon, the votes will be tallied and we’ll announce the winner. The winner will receive a credit toward next year’s exhibit space, as well as the honor of displaying an official Best Booth Award banner over their booth space. To learn about the winner of our 2023 Best Booth Award Contest, click here for our exclusive interview: https://youtu.be/xla2fKdCn9I!
- The Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge, sponsored by Boot Barn, is coming to Ohio! This exciting competition will take place on Saturday at 3 pm in the GGT Arena in the Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center. Attendees can sign up to compete in one of three activities – a Barn Chores Marathon, a Bouncy Pony Race, or a Horse Nugget Relay – to win prizes and bragging rights! Whether you want to enter or just cheer on your friends, the Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge is a must-see. It’s free to sign up, and no horses are needed. Visit the Equine Affaire Information Booth in the Bricker Building any time prior to the competition to sign up for a slot.
- The Whispery Pines Percherons are offering stagecoach rides daily during the event, from 12 pm to 4 pm, on the east side of the Voinovich! Enjoy a scenic stagecoach ride around the grounds and see the Ohio Expo Center like never before – from behind a pair of gorgeous horses. Rides are $10 per person or $50 per six people for a private ride. Children, ages 5 and under, ride for free with an adult.
- Equine Affaire is proud to announce our Celebrity Horse In Residence, GG Kiss Me Kate! Owned by Samantha Hull-Crook, this gorgeous Gypsy Vanner mare has won 42 Supreme Champion titles, including 3 National Supreme Titles. She is the only mare to win a National Supreme and she is the only horse to have won a National Supreme title more than once. Kiss Me Kate will be in the Breed Pavilion as well as in the Horse and Farm Exhibits. She will also participate in a special Celebrity Horse Showcase, which will take place once a day in various arenas around the event. Consult your event schedule for your chance to see Kiss Me Kate in action!
- In honor of our anniversary, 3,000 lucky guests at this year’s event will receive a special voucher upon arrival, good for 25% off one item of Affaire Wear! Affaire Wear is available for sale at the Equine Affaire Information Booth in the Bricker Building. Arrive early to increase your chances of receiving one of these special vouchers, and then make sure to redeem it at the Information Booth so you can celebrate Equine Affaire all year round.
- Love raffles? You’re in luck! Equine Affaire is hosting a free online raffle before the event. Enter the raffle online and you could win one of several great prizes: a $500 gift certificate to Zero Proof Horse Treats, a travel fence from Greystone USA, a $100 gift certificate to Bronco Western Supply Co, an equestrian-themed mirror from October Design Equestrian Decor, a prize package from US Equestrian, or tickets to next year’s event! Entries are accepted through April 15, 2024, at https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-participate/ohio-win/ohio-free-raffle/.
For a full list of activities, features, exhibitors, and competitions, visit our website and review our official event program, which is available online at http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/44770363#/44770363/1.
Everyone is invited to join us at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, April 11-14, and tickets are on sale now! Single day tickets and four-day passes for Equine Affaire are available for purchase here: https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-general-information/tickets/. Crown your day at Equine Affaire in style by attending one of three performances of Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse. Sponsored by Equine Medical and Surgical Associates, Fantasia will take place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm in the Coliseum. Separate tickets are required for Fantasia. This year, for three nights only, Fantasia will feature an incredible lineup of performers, including the Whispery Pines Percherons, Braveheart Beasts, Kevin Raber, Lauren Sammis, Unbridled Wings, the Young Guns Drill Team, Bethany & Rider Kiesner, and many more.
If you have more questions or need to get in touch with our staff, there are plenty of ways to reach out to us! Bookmark our website (www.equineaffaire.com), follow us on Facebook and Instagram @equineaffaire, or call our office at (740) 845-0085, 9:00am-5:00pm EST (M-F). We can’t wait to see you at Equine Affaire!
CONTACT:
Allison Rehnborg, Marketing Coordinator
Equine Affaire, Inc.
Phone: (740) 845-0085 ext. 103
arehnborg@equineaffaire.com
www.equineaffaire.com
*Pictures Available Upon Request