The Equi-Fair and World Market

Two large buildings (the Riding Hall and Equi-plex) hold a combined total of over 100,000 SqFt of indoor and outdoor vendor space. Items include horse trailers, farm equipment, barns, and of course, saddles and tack, along with equestrian themed gifts and clothing. Vendors hail from around the globe, including France, Germany, Ireland, the US, Holland and Australia.

This is also a great place to get acquainted with many breeds of horses and ponies – even donkeys and mules are on display and available for petting. Here is a picture of a 'meet & greet' by a representative of the Morgan breed – Team Morgan was the winner of this year's 'Battle of the Breeds' competition.

Of course, representatives of one of our Barnmice Groups were there to answer any questions folks might have about the 2010 Altech World Equestrian games:

In a third building, the Marketplace, you'll find even more to tempt your pocketbook, some horse-related, and others featuring fine crafts, leather goods, artwork, jewelry and more!

Some of the hot new equestrian items included steam machines to add moisture to hay, cutting down on dust and allergens that may be present. Other equipment useful around the barn is a shampoo/vacuum machine designed to save time and water in keeping your horses clean and to use less water while doing it. Horse boots of the latest protective design and innovative materials and human boots for riding or weathering the seasons were available for inspection and purchase. Herbal supplements for horses and dogs, feed, and so much more - well, you get the idea.

I tried to count all the vendors in different categories and finally just had to give up - take it from me, there are plenty of goodies on offer to keep you busy all week between classes. Western or English, whatever your breed or activity, there was something there for everyone!