Source:  News Release

15th Annual Horse Expo Sizzled!

The 15^th annual Western States Horse Expo once again left its positive mark on tens of thousands of attendees, hundreds of vendors, and the top horsemen and experts in the nation.

Throughout the three days of the expo, new trailers were hitched up as proud owners hauled them from the shaded Rigs and Digs area of the Expo, and brand spankin’ new trucks were driven off the lot, much to the delight of new title-holders. Barns were sold, contracts for tractors were signed, and vendors stuffed bags full of their quality items for happy shoppers. One vendor said they sold more on opening day than they have for any three days combined at other events. Many vendors throughout the huge expo — four cavernous-sized air-conditioned buildings, acres of trailers and trucks, and The Ranch area — reported record sales. From $6,000 saddles to trailer ties to bling blouses were sold, indicating that the industry is swinging back with great vigor — and that people come to the Expo for great deals! 

One regular attendee reported that after watching top clinicians last year, she knew that her horse was just too much for her. “I was so grateful to hear from the best in the business that it was okay to not cling to a horse that scared me just because I liked him. I bought a different horse that’s trained and safe, and this year I came here to learn how to become a better horsewoman. And wow! The lineup of experts was incredible! I took notes so I wouldn’t forget anything. From the basics taught by Dick Pieper to colt starting with Kerry Kuhn to Jonathan Field’s liberty presentation to Chris Cox helping riders overcome fear — I got a $1,000 education from the very best all for the price of admission!”

Another happy Expo attendee commented, “I brought a small sample of the hay I’m feeding and had it analyzed for free by Nutrena. The results were really interesting! Now I can use this factual data to round out my feeding program. No more guessing.”

The Magnificent 7, a stock horse competition reminiscent of the Old West that includes reining, cutting, fence work and steer stopping, was won this year by Justin Wright on A Dazzlin Prize. Held on Friday night, the finals for this event are attended by thousands who appreciate this challenging competition that sets your heart to pounding as cowboys ride talented, athletic horses in one of the toughest competitions in the nation. 

Chris Cox hosted “Chris Cox and Friends” on Saturday evening as the audience laughed at and cheered for various acts and presentations. Western States Horse Expo 2013 Hall of Fame inductee Dick Pieper grinned from ear to ear as he was awarded this honor during the evening presentation. “I can hardly believe it,” smiled Pieper. “What an honor to be included in the Hall of Fame. I’ve always said it’s all about the horse, but it’s pretty wonderful as a human to be recognized this way!”

A new feature this year, “Up Close and Personal,” allowed attendees to ask questions of experts in an air-conditioned, informal environment. People sat in chairs clustered around each expert, allowing them to talk to clinicians one-on-one.

Another crowd pleaser was the Ultimate Super Horse Challenge hosted by Charles Wilhelm where 10 qualified competitors were put to the task over three days of obstacles, patterns, and riding with finesse. Judged by Kerry Kuhn, Dick Pieper and Charles Wilhelm, winner Julie Lopez took home a custom saddle and a gorgeous silver belt buckle.

Sunday’s horse sale saw lots of hands in the air as the jam-packed audience bid on quality performance, ranch, and trail horses. Horse trailers lined up late in the afternoon as new owners loaded their sale horses and headed home. 

The Book Corral offered people a chance to visit with numerous authors and ask what inspiration, tenacity and dedication it takes to write a book. The Young Rider Park entertained young buckaroos with crafts and activities, and Young Rider Magazine Editor Lesley Ward shared stories with wide-eyed youngsters. Parades of various breeds excited audiences, and the rumbling thunder of the Draft breeds as they pranced into the arena made people cheer.

And the weather? Yup, it sizzled on Friday and Saturday (it really cooled off on Sunday!), but that didn’t deter horse lovers from swarming through the gates. This extraordinary event is on everyone’s calendar and not even rising thermometers kept dedicated horsemen from taking advantage of the education, demonstrations, horse sale, entertainment, lectures, competitions, and shopping opportunities that are exclusive to the Western States Horse Expo.  

The 16^th presentation of the Western States Horse Expo is slated for June 13-15, 2014. For more information, visit www.horsexpo.com.

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