Equine Affaire Presents Fantasia

COLUMBUS – Are you looking for a fun and exciting weekend adventure for the horse lovers in your life? Look no farther than Equine Affaire! This year, North America’s premier equine expo and equestrian gathering is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and you’re invited.

Come to the Ohio Expo Center on April 11-14 and enjoy a spectacular long weekend all about horses. Whether you’re interested in learning more about horses, seeing horses perform incredible feats, shopping a massive trade show, or getting hands-on with a variety of educational activities, there’s something at Equine Affaire for horse lovers of all ages, skill levels, and interests.

Tickets for Equine Affaire and its special nighttime show, Fantasia, are on sale now at equineaffaire.com. Complete with special giveaways and unique activities, this Equine Affaire will be an anniversary celebration to remember.

Advance general admission tickets for adults are $16/person. Tickets for children, ages 7-10, are $10, and children, ages six and under, get free admission. Adult four-day passes are $52! There will be cash-only ticket sales available at the gate. General admission includes all clinics, seminars, and demonstrations; the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition; the Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge; Drive a Draft and other interactive activities; and all shopping and educational exhibits and pavilions. Please note that the Ohio Expo Center does charge for parking.

Fantasia is Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse. Unlike any show you’ve ever seen, Fantasia is a two-hour equine spectacular that showcases the beauty, grace, and athleticism of horses and riders in a variety of performances, all choreographed to music! Separate tickets are required to attend Fantasia. Sponsored by Equine Medical and Surgical Associates, this exciting and unique performance will return for three nights only on April 11, 12, and 13. Tickets for Fantasia range from $14 to $25 for children and adults; children who are two and under and can sit on a lap are free. Seats go quickly, so while tickets may be available for sale on the day-of, it’s best to buy in advance. Visit equineaffaire.com to purchase.

Here are just a few of the activities and experiences waiting for you at our event:

• Attend a slew of clinics, led by some of the nation’s elite equestrian educators, and see horses and riders in action as they practice jumping, reining, roping, working with cattle, dressage, driving, and more. Presenters will share their wisdom and knowledge across a variety of topics, from healthcare and barn management to the ins and outs of starting an equine business and other topics.

• Bring the kids! Everything at Equine Affaire is kid-friendly and kid-accessible, but make sure to visit the Equine Fundamentals Forum in particular. The EFF is filled with fun, educational and kid-friendly activities, including a Stick Horse Rodeo at 3 pm daily. College and Career Fair offerings include presentations geared especially toward how youth can make a career with or around horses.

• Meet the horse in the Breed Pavilion located in the Voinovich. You can chat with their owners, pet the horses, and even get your picture taken! After the Breed Pavilion, head out to the barns to tour the Horse & Farm Exhibits to see even more horses, including horses for sale and adoption.

• On Friday, the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition will take place at 1:30 pm in the Coliseum. This exciting, timed race challenges horses and riders to tackle a variety of obstacles in their pursuit to win $5,500 in cash and other prizes.

• Eager to compete yourself? Check out the Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge, sponsored by Boot Barn, happening on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the Voinovich! Attendees can sign up to compete in one of three fun events – the Barn Chores Marathon, the Bouncy Pony Race, or the Horse Nugget Relay – and win fun prizes.

•Try driving a pair of giant draft horses. The Whispery Pines Percherons are offering a fascinating gentle giants experience for Equine Affaire attendees Friday and Saturday in the covered paddock attached to the Bricker building. This activity is free to participate in - just sign up at the Whispery Pines Percherons’ stalls in the Gilligan Complex when you arrive.

• Veterans, first responders or family members can participate in activities especially designed to help veterans and first responders experience the benefits of being around horses. This event will take place Friday and Sunday.

Come early to obtain a special anniversary voucher (while supplies last) good for 25% off one item of Affaire Wear in the Equine Affaire Information Booth!

Hours 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (5 p.m. Sun.) Coliseum opens for Fantasia at 6:45 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. The Ohio Expo Center does charge for parking. For the safety of all attendees, no pets are allowed on the grounds or in the buildings. For additional information, visit equineaffaire.com or call 740845-0085. More on Ohio >HERE