Source:  News Release

Equine Affaire 2011: Continuing a Tradition of Excellence

London, OH – Widely regarded as the ultimate destination for horse lovers, Equine Affaire returns to the Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, MA, November 10–13, 2011. Since its inception in 1994, Equine Affaire has become the premier gathering for equine enthusiasts, garnering rave reviews from all who attend. The show is eagerly anticipated every year and revered for its wide array of offerings and diversity of breeds and disciplines. From tack to trailers and Friesians to fencing, you’ll find it all right there, in one convenient location. Mark your calendars now for this world-class event where there is truly something for everyone with an interest in horses.

“With an attendance close to 100,000 each year, we are thrilled to return to the Eastern States Exposition and see those who come back year after year to celebrate the horse with us. It just goes to show that the passion for these animals is incredibly strong – no matter the breed or the discipline,” stated Karin Brennan, Marketing Manager for Equine Affaire.

Learn from the Legends

Watch equine greats in action at one of Equine Affaire’s more than 200 clinics, seminars and demonstrations featuring such noted equine luminaries as Olympic show jumper Anne Kursinski, “America’s Most Trusted Horseman” John Lyons, top-ranked dressage rider Tina Konyot, Olympic eventer Jim Wofford, and “Working Cowboy of the Year” Craig Cameron, in addition to a myriad of other leading equestrians and industry experts. With topics ranging from horse health to training tips, all facets of the horse industry will be represented at this year’s Equine Affaire.

“From the inquisitive horse admirer to the well-rounded professional, attendees will find the 2011 educational program power packed with a lineup of clinicians representing more than 20 disciplines. This year's clinicians include Olympians, World Equestrian Games competitors, international coaches, and trainers who look forward to sharing their expertise,” reported Coagi Long, Program Director for Equine Affaire. “In addition, seminars and demonstrations covering topics such as health care, general horsemanship, medical updates and advances, horse behavior, and first aid will be presented by the leading veterinarians and equine professionals from across the nation.”

Come watch and learn as the equestrian elite share their secrets for success. Don’t forget to pack your pen and paper to take notes as you receive important tips from these renowned horsemen.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

Shopaholics unite! Bring your holiday wish list and come experience the most comprehensive equine trade show in North America! With more than 475 retailers and manufacturers filling four large trade show halls, this bargain hunters’ paradise is second-to-none. Check out the equine industry’s cutting-edge technological advances, meet equine artists, sample gourmet food, inquire about riding vacations, research college equestrian programs and much, much more! While you’re there, take the opportunity to meet and mingle with the vast number equine industry insiders on site.

New this year is a redesigned trade show floor layout in the extensive Mallary Complex to accommodate even more vendor space. An additional 125 new exhibit booths have been added in the north and south halves of the building to expand offerings for attendees. Also, make sure you check out Equine Affaire’s impressive New Product Showcase in the Mallary South highlighting some of the latest and greatest items on the market.

The best products and services for both horse and rider are all here waiting for you! Equine Affaire is truly the ultimate equine shopping experience. Come see what’s in store.

A Musical Equine Extravaganza

Fantasy abounds at Equine Affaire’s signature event, the Pfizer Fantasia. This musical extravaganza, celebrating the horse, provides excitement for all ages. “Oohs and ahhs” will be heard from the audience as the brilliance, grace, beauty, and superb athletic ability of the horse are showcased.

This year’s performance will include reining, Roman riding, dressage, driving, trick riding, vaulting and more. Back by popular demand is Sylvia Zerbini, formerly of Cavalia, who will bring her team of eight beautiful horses for a breathtaking liberty exhibition. Ms. Zerbini has drawn rave reviews worldwide for her captivating style of horsemanship. Also returning is reining champion Aaron Ralston who amazed the audience with his thrilling act at last year’s show. This year he will be paired with Craig Johnson for an extraordinary reining pas de deux. Performing for the first time at Equine Affaire, Jennifer Baumert will execute a grand prix musical freestyle aboard Hanoverian stallion Don Principe, and Australian horseman Guy McLean will entertain and inspire audiences working with multiple horses at the same time.

The Pfizer Fantasia will be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings beginning at 8:00 p.m. in the coliseum on the Eastern States Exposition grounds. Tickets are available (through November 3rd) at www.equineaffaire.com or by calling (740) 845-0085. Get your tickets early – this favorite is sure to sell out quickly! Any tickets not sold in advance will be available on Thursday, November 10th at 9:00 a.m. at booth 104 in the Better Living Center at Equine Affaire. They will also be available at the coliseum ticket office at 6:45 p.m. each night, depending on availability.

Known for featuring exceptional horses and riders, Pfizer Fantasia’s will be unlike any other show you’ve seen. Don’t miss this evening of entertainment and pageantry for horse lovers of all ages — you won’t believe your eyes!

Viva Versatility

Returning for its fifth year is Equine Affaire’s highly-anticipated Versatile Horse & Rider Competition, (VHRC), a timed and judged race through a challenging obstacle course that puts communication, horsemanship, and athletic ability to the test. Legendary horseman John Lyons will be judging the thrilling competition with international reining champion Aaron Ralston providing expert commentary.

Teams representing all breeds and disciplines will battle it out through a series of riding challenges and trail obstacles to determine who will proceed to the final round. Qualifying runs will be held Thursday and Friday afternoons, with the top 10 teams advancing to Sunday morning’s Finals and the culmination of the competition.

When the dust settles, the most skilled horse and rider combination will trot away with a $2,500 grand prize and the coveted title of “Equine Affaire Versatile Horse & Rider Champion.” Come cheer on your favorite contestants as they compete for $5,500 in cash and prizes!

A Bounty of Breeds

Embark on a journey around the world as you explore Equine Affaire’s Breed Pavilion. Located in the Stroh Building, this popular site will showcase a vast number of horse and pony breeds from all over the globe. Have you always wanted to learn about the Haflinger? How about the Bashkir Curly? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Breed association representatives will be on hand throughout the show to answer your questions and share stories about their favorite breeds. All booths will have literature, photos, resources and information available, and many will even have live horses on site as well. It’s a great way to expand your breed knowledge while enjoying a “meet and greet” with a breed you’ve always wanted to learn more about.

“This year’s Breed Pavilion will include more exhibits than ever before. From Miniature Horses to Shires, breeds from all over the world will be represented,” explained Debbie Putnam, Breed Pavilion Coordinator for Equine Affaire.

Breed demonstrations will also be taking place throughout the show in the main clinic arenas, offering onlookers the chance to see them perform in-hand, in-harness or under saddle. It’s a great opportunity to get to know the movement, temperament, and conformation of each breed. With more than 40 breeds on hand, you’re may have trouble settling on a favorite.

Additionally, the Horse & Farm Exhibits area in C Barn will offer New England farms, stables, and training and breeding facilities the chance to share information with prospective clients. Many have stallions at stud, training services, and boarding facilities available, and it’s the perfect opportunity to network with them in a relaxed setting.

Family Fun

Enjoyable and educational opportunities will abound in the Stone Horses® Youth Pavilion located in the Mallary South. Fun (and free!) activities just for horse-loving kids will include coloring books and crayons, model horse painting, and stick horse creation, just to name a few. Also returning this year is the popular stick horse rodeo, where everyone’s a winner.     

Throughout each day, a variety of informative clinics will be held in the Youth Pavilion presentation ring highlighting horse care tips, equine career planning, breed primers and more! Don’t forget to visit the informative booths on location as well. Learn about 4-H programs, college riding opportunities, and the United States Pony Clubs, Inc.’s many offerings. New this year will be Equine Affaire’s Trivia Quest for kids which will challenge young horse lovers to explore all facets of Equine Affaire, learning as they go while using their cell phone or digital camera!

“With the premise of Equine Affaire being education, the Youth Pavilion is the perfect place for children to learn about the horse industry. The nation’s top clinicians speak directly to the children about topics from basic horse care all the way to how to become a champion. From Craig Cameron to Sylvia Zerbini, children are able to be up close and personal with the best of the best,” said Karin Brennan.

Stop by Equine Affaire’s Youth Pavilion! This special spot is geared toward young riders – the future of our sport.

Strike a Pose!

Within the Youth Pavilion, two of the country’s most celebrated horses will be on display in the Celebrity Horse Showcase. While you’re there, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with Gracie, John Lyons’ famous buckskin mare. Also making an appearance will be Padre, an adopted wild Mustang who was the first of his kind to qualify and compete at the prestigious Dressage at Devon. Bring your camera and take a photo with your favorite horse – the Celebrity Horse Showcase is the perfect place for photo ops!

Join the Excitement

Equine Affaire will run daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. For one low rate, you can experience everything Equine Affaire has to offer! From seminars to shopping and clinics to competition, admission is only $15 per day for adults (price includes a souvenir event program) and children (ages 7–10) are just $8. Also available are affordable four-day savings passes for adults (priced at $50, saving $10 from the daily rate) and children (offered at $28, saving $2 from the daily rate). All children 6 years of age or younger are admitted free of charge. (Please note: separate tickets are required for Equine Affaire’s Pfizer Fantasia performances).

Advance tickets are on sale now through Friday, October 21st at www.equineaffaire.com or by calling (740) 845-0085. You can also download a ticket order form from the website and send it in with a check. Tickets will be on sale each day beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Equine Affaire entrance gates located on the show grounds.

Special room blocks with discounted rates have been set up at several local hotels for Equine Affaire attendees. However, you must act quickly as these hotels fill up fast and discount rates will expire soon. Camping with hookups will also be available at the Eastern States Exposition grounds beginning on Wednesday, November 9th at 5:00 p.m. These spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Come and share your passion for horses at the 2011 Equine Affaire 2011. For an up-to-the-minute schedule of events, presenters, exhibitors, maps, hotels, directions, ticket information and much more, visit www.equineaffaire.com or call (740) 845-0085.