And they came because they love horses.

Horses—and Donkeys—of All Kinds

Equine Affaire draws attendees and event participants from all over the United States, Canada, and beyond. And over 50 breeds of horses have participated in the various events at Equine Affaire, proudly represented by their national breed associations. The Breed Pavilion was buzzing as horse lovers got to meet and greet enchanting breeds, including the Arabian, Dales Pony, Icelandic, Gypsy Vanner, and many more.  

And this year introduced something special at Equine Affaire—the Donkey Extravaganza. You read that right: donkeys of exceptional cuteness were on hand for educational presentations. With those long ears and expressive eyes, they captivated young and old alike. Donkey lovers were delighted to shop from vendors catering to donkey-related products and services.  

Clinics, Seminars and Demonstrations

The educational opportunities are almost unlimited at Equine Affaire. With clinics, seminars and demonstrations running simultaneously all day in multiple arenas and stages, attendees strategically planned their schedule of events to attend. Clinics included show jumping foundations with Gaby Reutter, ranch riding with Cole Cameron, galloping techniques for eventing cross-county with Phyllis Dawson, classical dressage principles, trailer loading techniques, the basics of saddle fitting, caring for feathers, and even the chance to drive a Whispery Pines Percheron. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

On Thursday afternoon, Kimberly Chick—British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA)-certified helmet and safety vest fitter and owner of Fair Hill Saddlery—presented a clinic on selecting and fitting a safety vest. Safety vests and airbag vests are advanced gear designed to add an extra layer of protection.

“Every rider and handler of a horse is subject to injury—from the ground, mounted, loading, literally anything. And a safety vest protects our vital organs and bones,” Chick explained.

But choosing the right vest and having it professionally fitted is critical.

“There’s a big difference between a 65-year-old trail rider and a 30-year-old eventer,” Chick explains. The discipline and rider’s goals help Chick choose the right vest for a rider, ensuring it isn’t too high above the rib cage or sitting too low on the back.

Chick’s expert tips to selecting a vest: “Buy the highest level of BETA certification that fits you the best and that your budget allows. Your body is worth the investment.”

On Friday, Lori Tankel, author of Common Sense Horse Keeping, presented the clinic “Disaster Planning for Horse Owners: How to Be Prepared for the Unexpected.” Tankel stressed how crucial it is for horse owners and barn managers to take seriously disaster preparedness.

“It’s just as important to have a disaster plan as it is to have a fire plan… It will help you deal with disaster challenges in a calm and organized manner,” Tankel said. “Take ownership of your disaster plan—identify potential disasters, put it in writing, post it in the barn, provide a copy to boarders and staff, and then drill it often. Your goal is to ID your horse, load him, and evacuate as quickly as possible. Can you board your horse in any condition, at any time? His life may depend on it.” 

On Saturday morning, Ken McNabb presented the clinic “Overcoming Trail Obstacles: Teaching Your Horse to Have Confidence on the Trail Course.” McNabb explained that “once your horse’s confidence is in you, he will do anything… the more difficult a situation, the quicker you build the relationship with your horse, teaching him to trust you in all situations. You can’t stop your horse from spooking, but you can shape how you will handle it.”

For example, overreacting to a horse that is spooking at a tarp by yelling, kicking, or otherwise trying to force him to go over it will only reinforce the “danger” of the tarp. “Take the fear out, relax, look at the tarp, release, look at it again, release; take the time needed to build the horse’s confidence,” McNabb shared. “My goal is not to desensitize my horse. I want my horse sensitive, but I want to build his emotional control, allowing him to discover he has more courage than fear.” 

Equine Affaire’s Ride With a Pro program is a unique experience that allows riders and horses to take a lesson directly from nationally recognized professionals in various disciplines. Riders pushed down any lingering nerves and quickly realized this was their chance to soak up expert advice.  

Jane Karol’s clinic “Classical Dressage: Developing the Horse & Rider at Training and First Level” focused on building a language of trust with your horse, how tiny adjustments can make a big impact, and why going back to the basics of Training and First Level exercises shouldn’t be underestimated.

“Softer hands [are] fundamental in a smooth walk to canter transition,” Karol said. She stressed “teaching the horse that the leg doesn’t mean go faster, but to go in a more balanced way” and that the “seemingly simple exercise—trot, canter, trot, canter—is a fantastic exercise for riders at every level.”   

Versatile Horse & Rider Competition   

One of the most popular events took place on Friday afternoon in the Coliseum—Equine Affaire’s Versatile Horse & Rider Competition—with Equine Affaire’s favorite emcee, Noah Rattner, and this year’s judge, Jason Irwin. Horse and rider teams were judged on how well they raced through an obstacle course which included pulling a sled, balancing on bridges, bubble wands, a bear, working a gate, a teeter-totter, jumps, and much more. The challenging course tested communication and horsemanship skills. With $5,500 in cash and other prizes on the line, the competition really heated up. 

Adoption at Equine Affaire

 The ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Affaire, along with other equine adoption organizations, spent the event introducing people to healthy, desirable, and deserving horses and donkeys in hopes of finding new loving homes. At Equine Affaire in Ohio in April 2025, 30 horses were adopted. Unable to adopt in person at Equine Affaire? Visit myrighthorse.org to meet adoptable equines across the United States.  

Fantasia 

This unforgettable “musical celebration of the horse” combines inspiring music, outstanding choreography, talented equestrians, and exceptional horses that come together in an uplifting and memorable performance. Fantasia is the perfect way to end a day at Equine Affaire!    

The Vital Role of Equine Affaire Volunteers

Equine Affaire is a complicated affair with moving parts and people working tirelessly behind the scenes to make it a success—including the many volunteers who return year after year. Equine Affaire HR & Business Manager, Lori Helsel, is the guiding force behind engaging and managing the 75 volunteers needed throughout the four-day event, with each volunteer working multiple shifts a day. Volunteers with big smiles greet and hand out event programs at the entrance gates, assist clinic prop crews with setup during educational programs, help customers drop off items to be sold at the Marketplace Consignment, assist youth in the Equine Fundamentals Forum and popular “Stick Horse Rodeo,” coordinate crowd control during horse rotations in the Breed Pavilion, and work as ushers at Fantasia. 

“The assistance of volunteers in fulfilling these duties is invaluable,” Helsel explained. “One of the things I appreciate most is the passion and enthusiasm our volunteers display. It’s infectious and elevates the energy and enjoyment for attendees, exhibitors, and everyone they meet.”  

Some Equine Affaire volunteers have made it a family affair. Pam Heffernan and her daughter Tracy Bowman have been volunteering together for seventeen years. “I think my favorite thing is just being able to spend four days with my mom,” Bowman said. “I’m obsessed with horses so any reason to be around horses and horse people I’ll jump at. But more than anything, it’s the people. We work with them only for four days out of the year, but we’ve known them for so long that they become like family.”  

“It gives us something to look forward to every year,” Heffernan added. “I really enjoy working with kids in the youth pavilion, making the stick horses, and keeping the area organized.”   

Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the horses we all love. Start planning now for the next Equine Affaire, happening in Columbus, Ohio April 9-12, 2026. Learn more here.

This article about Equine Affaire Massachusetts 2025 is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 26, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated Editor In Chief Holly Caccamise chat about last month’s Equine Affaire Massachusetts, gift-giving, and setting new goals before talking with Cathy Woods, a regular contributor to Horse Illustrated and the author of Yoga for Riders. To end the episode, they chat with Michelle Murch, equine and farm program manager for the New Hampshire SPCA, about Tilly, this month’s ASPCA Right Horse adoptable horse.

Click to listen on your preferred podcast listening platform.

Cathy Woods, Yogini and Horsewoman

Cathy Woods is a longtime yogini, horsewoman, author, yoga teacher, international retreat leader/presenter, and creator of her trademarked program, Body, Mind, Equine, who focuses on overall equestrian wellness.

Cathy aims to impart a practical approach to authentic yoga and mindful horsemanship, making it accessible to everyone regardless of what that looks like for the individual. She’s passionate about supporting equestrians in their wellness journey, promoting a more enriched and skillful life.

Her yogic journey naturally transpired as a child. Having nurtured that path and lifestyle for many years, she began leading programs in 1991. Cathy enjoys combining and sharing her passions of yoga, horses, travel, and women’s empowerment in creative ways and finds great joy in helping people handcraft their lives and their horsemanship

Her programs have been offered at distinguished locations such as The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Yogaville Ashram, and Mount Madonna Center. On the equine front, Cathy has partnered with amazing venues such as Equitana, Liberty Festival, Equine Affaire, Warwick Schillers Journey on Summit, Tryon International Equestrian Center, and C Lazy U Ranch, to name a few. She also shares her work through her book Yoga for Riders, published by Trafalgar Square Books, and writing for publications such as Horse Illustrated, and others. She’s been featured in Forbes, Yoga Digest, Horse and Rider, and many other publications.

Cathy is an avid equine enthusiast and longtime backcountry trail rider who loves exploring the natural world from the back of a horse. She remains passionate and dedicated to sharing authentic yoga and how it enhances life and horsemanship.

She is based in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. Find out more at cathywoodsyoga.com.

Adoptable Horse of the Month, Tilly

This sweet, sassy Quarter Horse pony is a perfect companion. Tilly is approximately 7 years old, 14.1 hands high and gets along with everyone. She is companion only, as she has been diagnosed with ringbone, which causes her to be lame when under saddle in work. Tilly would benefit from a home with someone willing to spend time loving on her; she was bounced around and never really had consistent attention. She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body, but she just hasn’t been given the chance to shine.

Tilly enjoys free-longeing, and the NHPSCA has started doing liberty work with her, during which she has proven to be a brave young lady. If you enjoy spending time grooming and doing groundwork with a horse, she is your girl. She is an easy keeper and is not on any medication. Tilly is up to date on all her vaccines, dental, and she is even microchipped.

Learn more about Tilly here.

In addition to Barn Banter episode 26, you can check out all previous episodes of Horse Illustrated’s podcasts here.

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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!

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W. Springfield, Mass. — Wondering what’s waiting for you at the 2024 Equine Affaire? Horses, horses, and more horses! For more than 25 years, Equine Affaire has proudly served North America as its premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering for equestrians from all corners of the industry. Join us at the Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, MA, on November 7-10, for four days of educational and fun clinics, seminars, and demonstrations; exciting competitions; hands-on activities; a sprawling trade show; and lots more, including Fantasia, a thrilling nighttime show that combines music with the beauty and grace of horses to create magic for horse lovers of all ages.

If you love horses, Equine Affaire and Fantasia are can’t-miss entertainment! Tickets for both events are on sale now via equineaffaire.com and the Western Edge mobile app for iPhone and Android. Whether you purchase your tickets online or through the app, you’ll receive them in your email – but make sure you keep the app on your phone! Through Western Edge, you’ll have all the event details available at your fingertips, including a venue map, the event schedule, exhibitor listings, and much more. Stay up to date on all things Equine Affaire with Western Edge and enjoy some exciting surprises along the way!

General admission tickets to Equine Affaire are $18/day for adults or $55 for a four-day pass; children’s tickets are available for $10/day for children ages 7-10; and children six and under are admitted for free. Bring the whole family and enjoy access to the trade show, theme pavilions, the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition, the Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge, the Breed Bonanza, and all clinics, seminars, and demonstrations, as well as a variety of immersive activities. Hours for the show are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. While you’re buying your general admission tickets, don’t forget to buy your Fantasia tickets! Review the seating map in the app to select the right seats for you and your friends. Tickets for Fantasia range from $16-$27.

Sponsored by Equine Medical and Surgical Associates, Fantasia will take place for three nights only on November 7, 8, and 9 in the Coliseum. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. each evening.

What to Expect at the 2024 Equine Affaire Event

◆ NEW! The Breed Bonanza, sponsored by Sentinel by Kent and Blue Seal, is a brand-new competition coming to Equine Affaire on Sunday, November 10! Featuring both a Youth and an Adult section, this unique under saddle rail class will showcase all three gaits (or equivalent for gaited horses) in both directions. A carefully curated panel of three judges, consisting of a breeder, a horse show judge, and a professional trainer, will bring their unique backgrounds and perspectives to the ring as they select and crown the inaugural Breed Bonanza winners. Make sure to attend and cheer on these horses and riders! They’ll be dressed in their Sunday best and ready to shine.

◆ Equine Affaire is home to the largest horse-related trade show in the east. Browse acres of booths sprawled across multiple buildings – and while you shop, support your favorite trade show exhibitors through the Best Booth Award contest. On Thursday afternoon of the event, the Equine Affaire staff will tour the show to select the top five finalist booths based on a selection of criteria, including innovation, creativity, and visual interest. These booths will be photographed and then posted on our official Facebook and Instagram profiles so that fans can vote for their favorites until Saturday, November 9 at noon. Keep an eye out for the winning announcement on Saturday, then visit the winner’s booth on Sunday to congratulate them!

◆ Brimming with horse breeds ranging from the familiar to the exotic, Equine Affaire’s Breed Pavilion is home to dozens of horses who serve as friendly and beautiful ambassadors for their breeds. Visitors can walk through the Breed Pavilion any time during the event and take selfies with the horses, meet their owners, and learn more about their registries and associations.

◆ Looking for a new horse? Visit the Horse & Farm Exhibits in the C-Barn and find the Adoption Affaire! Featured in partnership with the ASPCA Right Horse, the Adoption Affaire showcases healthy, adoptable horses of a variety of ages, breeds, and disciplines from multiple rescues and sanctuaries. You can meet the horses, go on a test-ride with the appropriate releases, and apply to adopt.

◆ Like winning free stuff? Don’t forget to enter Equine Affaire’s free online raffle! Enter online or through the Western Edge app for a chance to win any number of fabulous prizes from companies like 100X Equine, October Design Equestrian Decor, Triple Crown Nutrition, Kelly Cosby Photography, US Equestrian, Zesterra by Pro Earth Animal Health, State Line Tack, and Equine Affaire. Click here to enter.

◆ Want to compete at Equine Affaire, but you don’t have a horse? No problem! The Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge, sponsored by Boot Barn, is a competition that’s free to enter for all Equine Affaire attendees, no horse required! Happening Saturday, November 9, at 3:00 p.m. in the Young building, the GEFC will feature a barn chores marathon and a bouncy pony race. To sign up, visit the announcer’s table outside the GGT Arena in the Young building prior to the competition. Prizes will be awarded to the top ten participants in each event. Flex your hard-earned barn muscles and have a great time, or just come ready to cheer on your friends and enjoy commentary from our master of ceremonies, Coach Daniel Stewart!

◆ NEW! Enjoy a leisurely drive in regal style around the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds in a gorgeous stagecoach, drawn by two beautiful Percherons. Stagecoach rides can accommodate up to six people and will be available each day of the event for an extra fee. To sign up, visit the Whispery Pines Percherons’ stalls in the C-Barn during Equine Affaire. Stagecoach rides will begin on the south side of the Coliseum.

◆ Speaking of Percherons, the highly popular Drive a Draft activity is back! Hosted in partnership with the Whispery Pines Percherons, attendees can learn how to ground drive a draft horse or a pair of draft horses under the supervision of expert drivers Sam and Kellie Rettinger! This activity is free with the price of admission, but sign-ups will be required at the event. Drive a Draft will take place on Friday, November 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Saturday, November 9 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. To sign up, visit the Whispery Pines Percherons’ stalls in C-Barn on the morning of the activity.

There’s even more waiting for you at Equine Affaire, but you’ll have to visit to experience it for yourself!

Please note that the Eastern States Exposition charges for parking. Single-entry parking passes and four-day parking passes will be available for purchase at the gates. You can also purchase a four-day parking pass in advance by visiting the link here. Upon purchase, you’ll receive a QR code which you’ll present at the gates to be scanned and redeemed for a 4-day hanger.

 — Edited Press Release | Source: American Horse Publications

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