Attending Equine Affaire is a “must-do” for many equestrians. Known for its educational programming, trade show, entertainment, breed pavilion, demonstrations, and much more, it’s the place for anyone with even the slightest interest in horses. Starting in 2019 at the Columbus, Ohio, Equine Affaire, the offerings became even more exciting. Now, at both the Ohio and West Springfield, Mass., events, you can take part in the Adoption Affaire and return home with a souvenir you’ll never forget—an adopted horse of your own!
“The Adoption Affaire has become a special part of Equine Affaire over the years, and we are honored to continue partnering with the ASPCA Right Horse Program in Ohio and in Massachusetts,” says Allison Rehnborg, marketing coordinator for Equine Affaire. “Visiting the Adoption Affaire stalls in the Horse & Farm Exhibits is an incredibly heartwarming experience at both of our events because you can see horses and people connecting in some truly special ways. I’ve had the privilege of hearing about the horses adopted at Equine Affaire thriving in their new homes months and years after the fact. Sometimes we even get to see them again because their owners bring them back to participate in our clinics or demos.”
Finding the Fun
The Adoption Affaire was a huge success from the get-go, and it continues to grow.
“We’ve noticed, especially over the last couple of years at the Ohio event, that public support is increasing,” says Bailey Richards, ASPCA Right Horse Program manager. “We’ve seen more people seek out the adoption barn instead of stumbling upon it.”Visiting the Adoption Affaire stalls in the Horse & Farm Exhibits is a heartwarming experience because you can see horses and people connecting in special ways.
These visitors have expressed that they wanted to get to the barn early before all of the horses were adopted. But even if you aren’t specifically seeking out the Adoption Barn, you won’t have any trouble finding it.
“Equine Affaire is a fantastic partner of ours,” says Richards. “They let us put up signs across the whole area.”
In addition, whenever they are out of their stalls, adoptable horses wear special bright orange saddle pads and coolers with the words “adopt me” in large letters. Anyone with questions can talk directly with the horses’ handlers or visit the ASPCA Right Horse booth.Whenever they are out of their stalls, adoptable horses wear special saddle pads and coolers with the words “adopt me” on them. Anyone with questions can talk directly with the horse’s handler.
Richards says that you might also become aware of the Adoption Affaire when you see horses strolling down an orange carpet accompanied by a ringing bell and an announcement that they have been adopted. Adopted horses and their owners are treated like celebrities with photos and cheering to celebrate the occasion.
Finally, during a showcase activity, adoptable horses are brought out to perform while information about them is shared.Adopted horses are announced over a megaphone and walked down the orange carpet.
Success Stories Abound
According to Richards, ASPCA Right Horse Partners brought 32 horses to the Equine Affaire this past April in Ohio. Twenty-eight of those were adopted on-site. As they were returning home, interest in adoption was expressed for the remaining four horses.
Some of the most memorable adoption stories include Brianne, who adopted her first horse, Tootsie, at the 2023 Equine Affaire Ohio. In 2024, she returned with her husband to volunteer at the adoption barn. During the event, Brianne, who is expecting a baby, became interested in adding a second adoptable equine to add to the family, Toledo. Her husband, Hunter, then arranged for a surprise adoption!
Another adoption success story is that of Noelle. Noelle, a 30-year-old pony, prefers children to adults and had strong preferences about who her adopter might be. Harper, Noelle’s eventual adopter, felt equally strong about finding her perfect match. During the Ohio Equine Affaire, the two formed an instant, mutual connection that led to an adoption and new partnership.
Planning for Massachusetts
Equine Affaire Massachusetts is set for November 6-9, 2025, and the Adoption Affaire will be featured within the Horse & Farm Exhibits area in C-Barn. The Adoption Affaire will include a variety of rescues and sanctuaries with healthy, trained, adoptable horses of a variety of breeds, backgrounds, and ages. Attendees can meet the horses in person and apply to adopt on the spot. Regardless of your specific reason for attending the event, a chance to meet, learn more, and potentially adopt a horse is a can’t-miss occasion.
This article about the Adoption Affaire at Equine Affaire appeared in the November/December 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!