Source:  News Release

2011 Equine Affaire Draws Record-Setting Crowds

London, OH – Top international clinicians, an unparalleled trade show, and beautiful horses brought equine enthusiasts of all ages to the 14th annual Equine Affaire in New England held November 10-13 at the Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, MA. With a line-up of presenters that was perhaps the best in the history of the event combined with Veteran’s Day falling on Friday during the event, it’s no surprise that this year’s Equine Affaire boasted record-setting attendance. On Friday event-goers and participants alike saw the highest single-day attendance at Equine Affaire in New England—and the overall excitement in the air was evident. Fortunately, the wild weather that blanketed the region with a foot of snow just two weeks prior to the show did not deter New England’s hearty horse lovers from attending their favorite annual equine event.

Since its inception in 1994, Equine Affaire has become the premier equestrian gathering for equine enthusiasts in North America, garnering rave reviews year after year. Feedback from enthusiastic attendees about the 2011 event has been pouring into Equine Affaire’s inbox. In an email to show management Vicki Ward wrote: “I had a great time and will definitely be back in 2012. I haven't missed a year since it began!” Terri Bruce echoed those sentiments via email writing, “As always, [it was] the best thing I do all year! Thanks so much to everyone who makes this happen!” Laurie Sherman-Roberts also sang the praises of Equine Affaire writing, “I had a great time as usual. This was the first year I was able to volunteer, and I'll definitely do it again next year.”

Legendary Learning

Year after year Equine Affaire offers exceptional learning opportunities for horse lovers of all ages, disciplines, and skill levels. This year’s event was no exception. The 2011 educational line-up was packed with top notch clinicians who shared their expertise with the audience and clinic participants.

Attendees took in more than 230 clinics, demonstrations, and seminars presented over the four-day event. Olympic show jumper Anne Kursinski and Olympic eventer Jim Wofford were credited with attracting some of the largest crowds of jumping enthusiasts ever witnessed at Equine Affaire. The stands at the clinic arenas were also packed for sessions presented by “America’s Most Trusted Horseman” John Lyons, top-ranked dressage rider Tina Konyot,  and “Working Cowboy of the Year” Craig Cameron in addition to many other leading equestrians and industry experts who took part in the show.

Several internationally-renowned competitors and clinicians made their debut at Equine Affaire’s 2011 Massachusetts event. These noted horsemen included Guy McLean, Todd Flettrich, Dianne Eppers, Tina Konyot, Chad Crider, Andy Marcoux, Jonathan Field, Cathy Drumm, Scott Purdum, and Mike Carpenter. As in years past, the show’s educational programs attracted horse lovers representing all disciplines and interests.

They Came, They Saw, They Shopped

Equine Affaire’s unmatched trade show offered convenient one-stop shopping with a wide array of equine products and services. Nearly 500 exhibitors and vendors were on hand offering “shopportunities” for all! Great deals were found on everything from tack to trailers to feed and fencing. Equine Affaire unveiled their successful New Product Showcase featuring exhibitors with innovative equine products. Also, new this year was an expanded trade show area in the Mallary South building which included more than 100 new exhibit booths. Trailer and RV sales were also up this year thanks to the new layout of the Mallary South and the addition of outdoor trailer displays adjacent to the Young Building. The new set-up made it easy for buyers to compare trailer brands side-by-side.

A Bevy of Breeds

The 2011 Breed Pavilion located in the Stroh Building and the Horse & Farm Exhibits in C-Barn featured more display stalls and equine exhibits than ever before. Visitors enjoyed getting up close and personal with equine ambassadors and breed representatives throughout the four-day show. Peruvian Pasos were part of the mix this year for the first time and Standardbreds, Fjords, and Fell Pony all had their own display stalls. Additionally, hundreds of horses representing dozens of breeds hailing from around the globe showcased their stuff in the daily breed demonstrations. Equine Affaire provided great opportunities to witness the movement, temperament, and conformation of each breed first hand.

The Horse & Farm Exhibits area in C Barn offered New England farms and facilities the chance to share information with prospective clients. Many had stallions at stud, training services and boarding facilities available, and it proved to be the perfect place for research and networking.

The Popular Youth Pavilion

Young horse enthusiasts enjoyed demonstrations, educational exhibits and fun activities created just for them in the Stone Horses Youth Pavilion located in the Mallary South. A variety of informative clinics were held in the Youth Pavilion presentation ring highlighting horse care tips, equine career planning, breed primers, and more. Informational booths were on location as well, representing 4-H programs, college riding opportunities, and the United States Pony Clubs, Inc.

“Education is the cornerstone of Equine Affaire, and the Youth Pavilion was the perfect place for children to learn about the horse industry. The nation’s top clinicians spoke 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 were able to be up close and personal while learning from the best of the best,” explained Karin Brennan, Equine Affaire’s Marketing Manager & Youth Activities Coordinator. “Having sponsors such as Stone Horses, Wahl, and Wild Horsefeathers enabled us to make learning fun and, hopefully, help the younger generations become involved in the horse industry.” 

Fun and FREE activities in the Stone Horses Youth Pavilion included coloring books and crayons, temporary tattoos, model horse painting, and stick horse creation, and the stick horse rodeo—just to name a few. A Trivia Quest for kids challenged young horse lovers to explore all facets of Equine Affaire while enhancing their knowledge of horses.

Within the Youth Pavilion, two of the country’s most celebrated horses were on display in the Celebrity Horse Showcase. Gracie, John Lyons’ famous buckskin mare, was on hand throughout the show posing for photo ops. Also making an appearance was Padre, an adopted wild Mustang who was the first of his kind to qualify and compete at Dressage at Devon.

Phenomenal Pfizer Fantasia

The stands of the coliseum were filled to capacity as Equine Affaire’s signature event, the Pfizer Fantasia, took center stage before a sold out crowd. This musical extravaganza celebrating the horse, provided excitement for all ages, showcasing the brilliance, grace, beauty and superb athletic ability of the horse. This year’s performances included reining, Roman riding, dressage, driving, trick riding, vaulting, theatrical presentations, and more.

Crowd favorites were Sylvia Zerbini (formerly of Cavalia) who brought her team of eight beautiful Arabians for a breathtaking liberty exhibition and Australian horseman Guy McLean who entertained, inspired, and amazed audiences with his brilliant performance with his Australian Stock Horses.
Other highlights included equine expert Aaron Ralston who was paired with Craig Johnson for an extraordinary reining pas de deux; Jennifer Baumert who performed a grand prix musical freestyle aboard Hanoverian stallion Don Principe; and the Canadian Cowgirls Drill Team who wowed the audience with their precision riding. Known for featuring exceptional horses and riders, the Pfizer Fantasia is a dazzling spectacular unlike any other.

Versatile Horse & Rider Competition Highlights

Excitement was in the air as spectators packed the coliseum to cheer on their favorite contestants in Equine Affaire’s popular Versatile Horse & Rider Competition (VHRC). Returning for its fifth year, this timed and judged race through a challenging obstacle course put communication, horsemanship, and athletic ability to the test. Talented horse and rider teams showed off their horsemanship skills while vying for the coveted title of 2011 Versatile Horse & Rider Champion and $5,500 in cash and prizes. Qualifying rounds were held Thursday and Friday afternoons, with the top 10 teams advancing to the Finals on Sunday morning.  John Lyons judged the competition while international reining champion Aaron Ralston providing expert and entertaining commentary.

Congratulations go to this year’s VHRC Champion, Lia Savas of Huntington, NY, who rode Yo Quiero Cat to first place and $2,500 in prize money. Second place honors went to Kathy Urbanski of Scotia, NY, riding Colonels April Kid (Sis) who took home $1,750. Third place finishers were Michelle Hoyt of Cumberland, RI, on Haida Tippy Cayeh, who came out ahead in a tie-breaker, receiving $1,000. Wayne Dougal of Huntington, NY, riding Goose came in fourth, receiving $250.

And the 2011 Equine Affaire Raffle Winners Were…

A plethora of prizes were awarded to this year’s Equine Affaire raffle winners. Congratulations go to lucky winners Kathy Mercurio of Pepperell, MA, who won the Bronco Poley Saddle Package from the Australian Stock Saddle Company; Kristen Zawatski of Newtown, CT, who won an original acrylic equine painting by Stephanie Come-Ryker of Leafline Studio; Caitlin Loretan of Starksboro, VT, who won a horse and rider travel package from Valley Vet Supply; Melissa Bourgoin of Greene, ME, won an equine gear package from JT International Dist., Inc.; Patty Martin of Somers, CT, was the winner of a custom fitted bridle with Swarovski Crystals from Bon-Vivant Equestrian Imports; Jeff Armstrong of Newton, MA, was the winner of a bit blanket bonanza package from Bit Blanket, Inc.; Sandra Snow of West Paris, ME; Kimberly Jurenko of Central Square, NY; and Allison Herlehy of South Hampton, NH, each won passes to the 2012 Equine Affaire.

A Helping Hand

Equine Affaire’s exceptional program filled with top-notch clinicians, industry professionals, and equine entertainment was made possible through generous sponsorship support from Pfizer Animal Health, Ariat International, Farnam, GLC 5500, Royal Mat, the United States Equestrian Federation, and Stone Horses and dozens of other equine-related retailers and manufacturers. We know that everyone who attended the show joins the management of Equine Affaire in expressing gratitude to all of the sponsors of the event whose support was essential to its production. 

Mark Your Calendars!

Mark your calendars now for November 8-11, 2012, when Equine Affaire will return to the Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, MA. Information on the Host Hotels for the 2012 event is already available on the Web site—and tickets will go on sale July 16th. And, if you can’t wait until next November to get your next Equine Affaire “fix,” make plans to attend Equine Affaire at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus on April 12-15, 2012. For information on events, schedules, presenters, exhibitors, maps, hotels, directions, volunteering, ticket information, and more, visit www.equineaffaire.com or call 740-845-0085.

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