FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
						Contact:	Katie Patrick
								(740) 845-0085 ext. 107
								kpatrick@equineaffaire.com
								Release also available electronically




Horsepeople of All Types Meet in a Melting Pot of the Horse Industry at Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio
      
      Columbus, OH, became a “Mecca” for horse enthusiasts as they flooded the Ohio Expo Center for the 13th annual Equine Affaire held April 6–9.  They came to discover the newest products, attend clinics and demonstrations conducted by more than 90 industry professionals, see and appreciate horse breeds from all over the world, and connect with others who share their passion for horses.
      The Ohio Equine Affaire is the largest and longest-running of the three events held annually in the United States.  The weather at this year’s show was exceptional, and attendance grew by more than 7% over last year.  The extraordinary shopping opportunities afforded by Equine Affaire drew many to the event and gave them the chance to comparison shop for everything from feeds to saddles to trailers.  Equine Affaire’s trade show was the largest horse-related trade show in the nation.  It featured more than 450 vendors located in five different buildings and met the needs of bargain shoppers as well as those looking for specialty or high-end items.  
      Others horse enthusiasts traveled to Equine Affaire for the opportunity to see highly-respected clinicians share their expertise on everything from self-defense instruction, barrel racing techniques, and hunter ring tips to miniature horse driving, therapeutic riding, and pasture management.  Within the eight venues hosting clinics, demos, and seminars, English, western, and driving devotees rubbed elbows in the pursuit of excellent horsemanship.  Whatever the particular interest, the nation’s premiere equine exposition and equestrian gathering afforded horse enthusiasts the opportunity to learn from many talented professionals in one location for a nominal fee instead of traveling long distances at great expense to access one or two clinicians.  
      Many attendees took advantage of the chance to visit one-on-one with the presenters in their booths and left armed with new knowledge and renewed purpose.  Olympic dressage rider, George Williams;  renowned horse trainer, John Lyons; World Champion barrel racer, Janet Stover; champion eventer, Denny Emerson; and “the man who listens to horses,” Monty Roberts, are just a few of the many prestigious presenters at the event.  Other nationally recognized experts answered questions on topics as diverse as veterinary medicine, equine law, facility design, purchasing and maintaining hats, and acupressure.
      The Cashman Breed Pavilion brought common and rare breeds to the public eye and visibly demonstrated the hallmarks of various breeds from around the world.  The Young Rider Youth Pavilion provided a multitude of activities designed to interest and educate children in a way that was easy for them to grasp.  Youngsters designed and competed their own stick horses, learned how to rope, and met Gallo Blue Chip—the highest-earning harness racer in history.  The Horse and Farm Exhibits showcased breeding and training farms and stallions at stud and was, as in past years, a popular venue at the event.  The extensive exhibits within the Horse & Farm Exhibits demonstrated the strength and diversity of the regional horse industry.   
      The Pfizer Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s signature evening event, was hailed by many as the best show yet in Ohio.  Among the many impressive performers, daring Russian horsemen demonstrated strength and agility, a beautiful Andalusian stallion performed at liberty with his trainer, and a champion reining team performed a humorous and talented freestyle. 
      Equine Affaire Raffle prizes were awarded to seven lucky winners—James McEvoy from Cincinnati, OH, won the English saddle package from Thornhill Enterprises, Inc.; Amanda Stalford from Logan, OH, won the western saddle package from F.M. Brown’s Sons, Inc.; Elizabeth Pettipiece from Grand Bay, AL, won the blanket package from Valley Vet Supply; Melissa Yesalusky from Ashland, PA, won the western show outfit from Berry Fit Co., LLC; and Brenda Biedrzycki from Corry, PA; Bonnie Windell from Evansville, IN; and Kristy Dye from South Charleston, OH, each won a pair of four-day tickets to next year’s Equine Affaire. 
      Sponsors are vital partners with Equine Affaire to bring a reasonably priced, high-quality event to the horse community.  Equine Affaire would like to thank Equine.com, Pfizer Animal Health, Cashman Livestock Equipment Outlet, Rod’s Western Palace, Arabian Horse Association, Wahl Clipper Corporation, Wrangler, Young Rider Magazine, and all of the 51 sponsors who participated this year. 
      Upcoming Equine Affaires are scheduled for November 9–12, 2006 in West Springfield, MA, February 1–4, 2007 in Pamona, CA, and April 12–15, 2007 in Columbus, OH.  For more information on Equine Affaire, consult www.equineaffaire.com or call (740) 845-0085 weekdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm Eastern.
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