Pomona's Fairplex Filled with Horses, Horse Lovers
Friday, February 23, 2007
Pomona, CA - Equine Affaire, the largest and most comprehensive horse exposition in the nation, returned to Pomona for the seventh year in a row, filling Fairplex the weekend of February 1-4, 2007. Horse enthusiasts enjoyed a vast range of opportunities; from the exceptionally strong program featuring more than 140 clinics, seminars, and demonstrations to the 350-vendor trade show that brought retailers and manufacturers representing all facets of the industry to one location for the weekend.
"I was extremely pleased with the level of the lectures and simply wish that there was more time to see all the classes," reported Cheryl Chavelle, an event attendee. "I spent too much time at the trade show . . . I spent a fortune!" she confessed.
Equine Affaire's educational program was, as always, impressive. Attendee Jan Goss summarized the feelings of many attendees when she said, "I was introduced to trainers I didn't know existed. Now I'm hooked on learning." Among the many outstanding trainers, competitors, and coaches who shared their expertise at the event were Chris Cox, Leslie Desmond, Craig Cameron, David Lichman, Hilda Gurney, Ted Robinson, Tim Grubb, Kristie Peterson, Anne Speck, Scot Hansen, and Mary Midkiff. Clinics and demonstrations conducted by renowned presenters such as Lisa Singer, Chris Irwin, Brenda Imus, Julie Goodnight, Patrick Hooks, Charles Wilhelm, and Wendy Murdoch were very well attended.
As in past years, the Breed Pavilion and Youth Pavilion at the 2007 event were very popular venues within Equine Affaire. More than 28 different breed associations were represented by a rotating cast of stallions, mares, and geldings within the Breed Pavilion as well as showcased in demonstrations throughout the weekend. Young equestrians found exhibit booths, horse-related activities, and educational presentations geared towards their equine interests in the Arabian Horse Association Youth Pavilion which included the Celebrity Horse Showcase.
During each day at Equine Affaire, the weekly television show, Best of America by Horseback, could be found taking full advantage of the beautiful weather as they filmed the event and conducted interviews. The radio program "Speaking of Horses" was also on hand interviewing not only presenters, but also attendees. On Saturday Bonnie Bryant, author of the international hit series The Saddle Club, was at Equine Affaire autographing her book "Horse Crazy" for horse crazy kids.
Equine Affaire culminated with the drawing of the winners of the 2007 raffle. Congratulations go to Theresa Shelley of Solvang, CA, who won the King Series western saddle package from Big Jim's Tack; Michael Whisner of Bellflower, CA, who won the horse & rider travel package from Valley Vet
Supply; Kenny Oates of Valencia, CA, who won the resin sculpture from EquinArt Creations, Inc.; Susan Graham of Corona, CA, who won the giclee print by Alexis Burris;
Christine Montgomery of Upland, CA, who won the silk purse from Episode 39, Inc.; and Julian Watkins of Los Angeles, CA; Dee Howe of Murrieta, CA; and Rich Boehme of Valley Center, CA - who each won a pair of adult four-day admission passes to the 2008 Equine Affaire.
Mark your calendar now! Equine Affaire is tentatively scheduled to return to Pomona, CA, January 31-February 3, 2008. There will also be two other Equine Affaires in 2007 taking place April 12-15 in Columbus, OH, and November 8-11 in W. Springfield, MA. Equine Affaire is more than extraordinary events, its extraordinary people. This year more than 150 volunteers contributed their time. For more information about attending or volunteering at any Equine Affaire event consult www.equineaffaire.com for details.
Equine Affaire, Inc. is grateful to the dozens of companies which generously supported the 2007 Equine Affaire in California through their sponsorships and helped make Equine Affaire an exceptional yet affordable event for attendees. These sponsors include, but are not limited to, the All American Trailers, Andis Clippers, Arabian Horse Association, California Horsetrader, Carson Trailer, Farnam Companies, FCP Inc., Gardner Fence Systems, Golden West Trailer Sales, Horse & Rider, Light N' Lasting Vinyl Jump Equipment, Northwest Rubber, Ulcer Gard, Universal Trailers, William Lyons Homes, Young Rider, as well as everyone else who helps make Equine Affaire an affordable event.
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