• What is a "breed demonstration"?
• How many breed demonstrations will be scheduled and how long will they be?
• When are the breed demonstrations scheduled and how are demonstration times reserved?
• Who is responsible for coordinating the breed demonstrations?
• How many horses can be featured?
• What about the "script"?
• What about background music?
• What does Equine Affaire provide for breed demo participants?

Breed demonstrations are a very important and popular part of Equine Affaire’s education-oriented program. Just as the training clinics provide a sampling of a wide variety of horse sports, the breed demonstrations enhance the production by showing the diversity of horses within our vast horse industry. They are also an outstanding opportunity for members of each horse breed and color registry to showcase conformation, gaits, varied talents and virtues of horses of their individual breed or color.

What is a "breed demonstration" at Equine Affaire?

A breed demonstration is a mini-production in which horses are presented in hand, under saddle, in harness, and in whatever manner deemed appropriate for the particular breed or color of horse. The presentation of horses is accompanied by a script read by the Equine Affaire announcer; it may also be accompanied by music. A breed demo might be thought of as a "live breed advertisement" which reflects the style and character of the breed or horse color being showcased. It should be upbeat and professional to serve its function as a marketing tool!

How many breed demonstrations will be scheduled at Equine Affaire and how long will they be?

Because Equine Affaire’s schedule of training clinics is very full, there is a limit to the number of breed demonstrations which can be accommodated within the schedule. Each horse breed will be given the opportunity to present at least one breed demonstration in the main clinic arena during the weekend. Individual demonstrations range from 10 to 13 minutes each, depending on the number of participants in the demo and the needs of each breed. (The actual script and choreography of the demo should be one minute shorter than the overall time, to allow for transitions between subsequent events.)

When are the breed demonstrations scheduled and how are demonstration times reserved?

Photo: Sunflower Photography

To enhance attendance at the breed demonstrations, all breed demos are scheduled just before popular training clinic sessions throughout the weekend. In fairness to all breeds, breed demo time slots will be assigned in the order in which completed contracts for exhibit booths and/or stalls in the Breed Pavilion are received.

Who is responsible for coordinating the breed demonstrations?

To ensure that each breed is accurately and effectively represented by quality horses, the staff of Equine Affaire must depend on each breed association to take responsibility for soliciting breed demo participants and developing their breed demonstration. It is important for each association to designate one Breed Demo Coordinator within the association with whom the Equine Affaire Breed Coordinator can work closely to develop a quality demo. Participation in the breed demo will be by invitation from the association. The Breed Coordinator will refer any horse owners who contact Equine Affaire and express interest in participating in the event to the contacts designated by the respective breed associations. While the Breed Coordinator can provide guidance and suggestions regarding the development of interesting breed demos, she does not have the ability to select demo participants or the expertise required to ensure that each and every breed is properly represented. Equine Affaire must depend upon the breed associations to provide that support.

If a breed or color is not formally represented at Equine Affaire by an association or registry—but only by a group of interested horse owners—those owners will be given the responsibility for coordinating the breed demo for that breed or color. In either case, the Equine Affaire Breed Coordinator will provide all Breed Demo Coordinators with the necessary information, guidelines and support.

How many horses can be featured in a breed demonstration?

The number of horses featured in each breed demonstration should be no less than 3 and no more than 12. Experience has shown that it is difficult to develop an effective demonstration with fewer than 3 horses–and can be equally challenging to do justice to more than 12 horses in the time allowed for each demo.

What about the "script" for the breed demonstration?

The script for each breed demonstration is a very important part of the production and it should be carefully prepared by the Breed Demo Coordinator within each breed association. The script should serve to "sing the praises" of the breed or color of horse. . . and, to that end, should focus on the breed or color rather than on the individuals participating in the demo. We recommend that the script include the following information:

• The history of the breed or color including where it originated, how it developed, etc.

• The breed’s characteristics including conformation, color, size, motion, type, breeding, etc.

• The breed’s registration including the breed’s registration agency

• The ways in which the breed is typically shown and enjoyed

• Information on national, regional and local breed associations and clubs

We also recommend that the script include the names of the horses and riders/handlers participating in the demonstration—and information on where to find the breed association’s or color registry’s booth and/or stalls at the event. We must insist that the breed demonstration not be used as an "advertisement" for specific horses, breeding and training farms, stallions, etc. The Breed Coordinator will specify to each Breed Demo Coordinator the format in which the script should be submitted. To ensure sufficient time to prepare all materials for the announcer, it will be imperative that all scripts be received by the Breed Coordinator by the respective due date.

What about background music during the breed demonstration?

Background music often enhances the drama of a breed demonstration. If you wish to add music to your demo, provide a CD to the Breed Coordinator with your script.

What does Equine Affaire provide for breed demo participants?

Equine Affaire offers a unique opportunity for breed associations and color registries to showcase the horses that they represent to thousands of horse enthusiasts. The management of Equine Affaire supports that opportunity by providing the venue for the demonstrations, a Breed Coordinator to oversee the demonstrations and work with participants, a professional announcer, the sound equipment for the demonstrations, jumps and other equipment, and extensive advertising of the event. In addition, the following is provided for each horse that travels to Equine Affaire solely to participate in a breed demonstration:

• A stall in the stabling area.  The stall may be occupied for a period of 24 hours free of charge if the horse owner completes a stall reservation form and submits it to the Breed Coordinator.  The horse owner may purchase additional days of stabling if he/she wishes to stay at the event for more than 24 hours. Horses for which stall reservation forms are not received by the respective due date will be charged stabling fees as outlined on the Breed Pavilion leaflet.

• Two one-day tickets to Equine Affaire for the day of the breed demonstration. 

All questions regarding breed demonstrations and the Breed Pavilion at Equine Affaire should be directed to the Equine Affaire Breed Coordinator:

Debbie Putnam
59 Rangers Dr.
Hudson, NH 03051

(603) 880-3046 (10:00 am-5:00 pm & 7:30-9:00 pm)

or email