Horse Illustrated Magazine

The crisp New England autumn air was filled with excitement as Equine Affaire returned to the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Mass. for the 2024 event. Tens of thousands of riders, horse lovers, presenters, and performers from every discipline converged at the Expo grounds from November 7-10, 2024—kicking off North America’s premier equine gathering. Celebrating everything horse, visitors strolled through the gates with huge smiles and schedules in hand. Some came for the unparalleled shopping and to learn about their favorite breeds; others had prepped for weeks in advance, meticulously planning which clinics to attend and what events they had to see. Everyone was feeling a sense of euphoria, anticipating all the fun over the next four jammed-packed days.

And they were not disappointed!

Clinics, Seminars, Demonstrations, and Ride With a Pro

Equine Affaire’s popular clinics and demonstrations run concurrently in six different arenas. Attendees soaked up expert tips and advice from world-renowned professional trainers such as Chris Irwin, author of Horses Don’t Lie.

In his clinic, “Getting to Know a Horse: What the First Day of Training Looks Like with a Horse I Don’t Know,” Tik Maynard explained the first steps of communication with a new horse. “I come into his bubble and stop. Then I let him touch my hand first before I touch him. It’s a polite thing for the horse to feel that they can touch you first—the opposite is when you burst into a horse’s space or bubble.”

Among the many presenters, Lauren Sammis shared dressage training in clinics focusing on breaking down FEI movements. Mary Miller Jordan presented “Liberty with Mustangs.” And Ryan Rose demonstrated how improving ground manners will help you communicate more effectively with your horse.

Guy McLean—the modern-day “Man from Snowy River”—and his incredible Quietway Team of horses, including Spinabbey, captured the attention of attendees with his authentic demonstrations of horsemanship and the skills of an Australian Stockman and his treasured horse.

Horse & Farm Exhibits

One of the most popular exhibits is Equine Affaire’s Horse & Farm area, where horse lovers and potential buyers can roam the stalls exploring all types of breeds. Stalls are organized by breed/type of horse, and horse farm owners and service providers are excited to share their knowledge and answer questions. It’s a great opportunity to learn about lesser-known breeds, find the right stallion for your mare, or even buy a new horse.

With 300 to 500 horses coming to Equine Affaire, a tremendous amount of work is done behind the scenes months in advance. Jessica Feasel, Equine Affaire’s Horse Exhibits Coordinator, and her team must handle mounds of paperwork and waivers, organize and assign stalls, facilitate arrivals, and assist with hay and feed requests. But the hard work is worth it.

Jessica says, “What I enjoy most about my job is seeing it all come together, seeing everyone enjoying their time here, and hearing the feedback that they had a great event. That warms my heart.”

New to Equine Affaire 2024: Breed Bonanza

New this year to Equine Affaire, the Breed Bonanza is a unique opportunity to present a wide variety of breeds and disciplines all together—riders and horses are smartly turned out with show tack and attire, proudly representing their favorite breed. The under saddle rail class showcased walk, trot, and canter in both directions. Three judges—a breeder, a professional trainer, and a horse show judge—carefully evaluated and selected the inaugural Breed Bonanza youth and adult class winners.

Drive a Draft and Stagecoach Rides

It’s magical to Drive a Draft, walking behind these gentle Percheron geldings under the expert guidance of Kellie and Sam Rettinger of Whispery Pines Percherons. And the experience is taken to the next level with a stagecoach ride around the Eastern States Expo grounds. Step back in time and up into an authentic stagecoach!

Equine Affaire’s Shopping Extravaganza

The Trade Show—with literally hundreds of unique exhibitors and vendors—and the Marketplace Consignment Shop have everything you and your horse could ever need and want (and even stuff you didn’t know you needed).

Fantasia

Fantasia is unlike anything else—Equine Affaire’s “musical celebration of the horse.” The action-charged show included the Whispery Pines Percherons towering above the Valley View Miniatures as well as the mesmerizing dressage freestyle of duo Lauren Sammis and her Dutch Warmblood, Daisy van Wittenstein. Fans cheered for the reining freestyle of 2022 American Quarter Horse Congress Freestyle Reining Champion, Kevin Raber, the courage of the talented Ermes Zamperla & Company trick riders, and many more exceptional Fantasia performers.

Adoption Affaire

Looking for a new horse to fall in love with and bring home to join your herd? Thinking about getting your very first horse? Whatever the reason you’re in the market (or even just dreaming about getting a horse), the Adoption Affaire is the perfect opportunity to meet, greet, and learn about healthy, trained, adoptable, and immensely lovable horses needing a forever home. Equine Affaire, a proud partner of the ASPCA’s Right Horse Initiative, brings horse sanctuaries, rescues, and potential adopters together to help every horse find refuge.

Looking Ahead to Equine Affaire 2025

Kicking yourself for missing out on all the excitement of Equine Affaire in Massachusetts? No worries! Make plans now to attend Equine Affaire at the Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio April 10-13, 2025. For more information, visit the Equine Affaire website here.

This article about Equine Affaire 2024 is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!