How to Make the Most of Your Trip to Equine Affaire

Because Equine Affaire offers so much to see and do, the event producers offer the following suggestions for making the most of your Equine Affaire experience:

Obtain a schedule of clinics, seminars, and demonstrations.

A detailed list of all clinics, seminars, and demonstrations is available by calling Equine Affaire or consulting this Web site. Because five to eight different sessions are presented simultaneously throughout each event, and there is no repetition within the overall Equine Affaire programs, you may have to make important choices about which sessions to attend. The schedule--which is posted online and available in advance by emailing or calling Equine Affaire--is helpful in developing your own daily "plan of attack," and it is wise to purchase an event program onsite to obtain the most up-to-date information. Plan to come early and stay late--there will be a lot to see each day!

Know where you are going and how to get there.

A map of the area and directions to each facility are available on this Web site and in many event flyers for each expo. For online maps and directions using the left-hand menu, select the Equine Affaire location you will be attending, select "Attend" and then select "Directions." Reviewing this information will give you a picture of where you are going and direct you to the appropriate facility entrances and parking lots. Even if you have been to Equine Affaire before, it is a good idea to check this information because the directions may change from year to year.

Make your hotel reservations well in advance.

Special discounted rates are available at numerous Equine Affaire host hotels. Rooms at many of these hotels sell out early. Also, most host hotel room blocks expire within the month prior to the event; you will need to make reservations before these dates to receive the discounted rates. For an updated list of host hotels--with locations, rates, amenities, current room availability, and approximate room block deadlines for each event--consult the Accommodations information on this Web site or call Equine Affaire. This information can be found using the left-hand menu by selecting the Equine Affaire location you will be attending, selecting "Attend" and then selecting "Accommodations."

Purchase your tickets in advance.

Daily admission tickets can be purchased in a few ways: in advance by using the credit card ordering system on this site (on the left-hand menu, select the Equine Affaire location you will be attending, select Attend, and then select Purchase Tickets Online); by calling Equine Affaire and placing an order using a Visa or MasterCard; or by mailing a check or money order with a ticket order form, which can be found in an event flyer or in select equine publications. You can also find a link to the printable ticket order form using the left-hand menu: select the Equine Affaire location you will be attending, select "Attend" and then select "Admission."

Daily admission tickets are also available at each event (sorry, we can accept cash only at the event).

Make a point to see the Pfizer Fantasia.

The Pfizer Fantasia, a dynamic evening program, showcases a wide variety of equine acts choreographed to an assortment of musical styles from classical to contemporary. This special entertainment is produced at the Columbus, OH, and W. Springfield, MA, Equine Affaires. (Note that extended evening clinics are offered at the Equine Affaire in Pomona, CA.) While the line-up of performances varies from event to event and from year to year, there is always a great range of amazing horses and skilled horsemanship to behold. Horses and handlers perform dazzling stunts and breathtaking classical riding. Acts may include dramatic driving segments, drill teams, trick roping, and/or comic relief. To purchase tickets online with a Visa or MasterCard, use the left-hand menu; select the Equine Affaire location you will be attending, select “Attend” and then select “Purchase Tickets Online.” You may also order Fantasia tickets by phone with a Visa or MasterCard by calling Equine Affaire at (740) 845-0085, weekdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm Eastern.

Purchase an Event Program.

The souvenir program will include a map of the grounds with detailed layouts of each of the buildings, a comprehensive list of exhibitors with their booth locations and phone numbers, an updated clinic and seminar schedule, and biographical information on the presenters at Equine Affaire. The program will not only be an invaluable guide during your visit and a handy place to take notes and obtain autographs, but it will also serve as an excellent reference after the event.

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

Sessions will begin early and run continuously through each evening, so it is important--above all--to be comfortable. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to cover a lot of ground traveling through the trade show and between clinic and seminar venues. Weather can be unpredictable, so you may want to wear clothing in layers that can be removed or added as needed. In addition, food vendors will be located throughout the grounds for your convenience.

Bring a notepad and pens, your cassette recorder, camera, and video camera.

Backpacks are allowed, and you will surely want to take notes during many of the clinics and seminars. All sessions may be recorded on audiocassette. There will be plenty of great horses and activities to photograph--and you may want to have your picture taken with one or more of the "famous faces" at Equine Affaire! Videotaping is also permitted for most sessions; an announcement will be made at the beginning of a session if videotaping is prohibited by an individual clinician. Please note that any video or still images may be recorded for personal home viewing only. Sales of videotapes, films, and still photos are not permitted.

Make the rounds.

Don't miss the Youth Pavilion and Celebrity Horse Showcase. These fun and educational areas have been developed especially for young horse enthusiasts and their parents. The Youth Pavilion is a great place for young equestrians to connect with horse-related and youth-related associations and organizations. A variety of informative and hands-on activities will focus on the importance of educating and involving children in the horse industry. Be sure to also visit the Breed Pavilion for the opportunity to learn about a wide range of breeds. Breed association representatives will be available to answer your questions and provide information, and live breed demonstrations will take place throughout the event in the clinic arenas. Review the facility maps for the locations of these "must see" areas of the event.

Bring plenty of "spending power."

The trade show at each Equine Affaire covers acres of exhibit space. Whichever Equine Affaire you attend, you will have the opportunity to shop one of the largest equine-related trade shows in the nation. Hundreds of vendors offer products such as: tack, riding apparel, health & grooming supplies, barn equipment, jewelry, books, publications, videotapes, art, fencing, gifts, trucks, and trailers, as well as booths providing information on horse breeds, clubs, and sports. You are advised to come prepared for this "shopportunity." ATMs are located onsite so you won't miss out on an unexpected find. You can see the current lists of exhibitors using the left-hand menu for the expo you will attend. Click on "Features" then click on "Commercial Exhibitors", "Breed Pavilion", and--for the Columbus, OH, and West Springfield, MA, events--there is also a list of "Horse & Farm Exhibits."

Participate in the Equine Affaire Raffle.

Each Equine Affaire Raffle features fabulous prizes such as saddle packages, show outfits, blanket packages, and tickets to the next year's event. Entrants must be residents of the United States or Canada and at least 18 years of age. You may enter the raffle online pre-event (one online entry will be accepted per household)--just use the left-hand menu for the expo you will attend, click on "Get Involved" then click on "Enter the Raffle" for details on the raffle and prizes as well as a form to enter the raffle before the posted deadline date. At the event you can enter once again by completing an electronic entry form at the Raffle Center (one at-show entry will be accepted per adult).

Make plans with your friends.

Equine Affaire is the perfect "getaway" for you, your horse-loving friends, and members of your horse-related clubs and associations. Let your friends and members of any clubs with which you are affiliated know about the great opportunities available at Equine Affaire. You may want to travel together and perhaps share a hotel room. It can be hard to reconnect with your friends at this large event if you do not plan ahead. If you attend Equine Affaire with several other horse enthusiasts and you "split up" to see different things, plan where and when you'll meet later in the day. The Message Center is a great place to post messages for others traveling in your group. The Message Center is available at the Equine Affaires in Columbus, OH, and W. Springfield, MA.

Please leave your pet safely at home.

Just about everyone at Equine Affaire loves dogs, cats, and other pets. You may want to bring your pet to spend the day, but Equine Affaire is an event designed specifically for horses and horsepeople. Out of respect for our exhibitors, presenters, and attendees, pets will not be permitted inside any building at the event. Please do not bring a dog or other pet that may be obliged to spend time locked in your vehicle during hot or inclement weather. Approved service dogs will be permitted in accordance with Federal and state regulations. Please email us if you have specific questions.