WEST SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts – The sixth annual Equine Affaire will be held Thursday, November 6, through Sunday, November 9, at the Eastern States Exposition grounds in West Springfield, Massachusetts.

People from throughout the United States will visit the Big E to learn about horses from industry professionals, shop at the largest equine-related trade show in the east, and observe hundreds of horses representing a vast number of breeds and disciplines.

“It has been an exciting decade for those of us who have been involved with the creation and development of Equine Affaire,” said Eugenia Snyder, executive producer. “Equine Affaire has grown from a relatively small show in Dayton, Ohio, to three major national expositions that will be enjoyed by more than 200,000 people this year.

“We credit Equine Affaire’s popularity and success,” she continued, “to the quality of the educational programs we have provided over the years and to the tremendous enthusiasm of our attendees – especially those in New England.”

Among the notable changes to look forward to at this year’s Equine Affaire will be the addition of a Youth Pavilion adjacent to the Wahl Clipper Arena in the Mallary Complex. The Youth Pavilion will be a fun and educational area developed especially for youth horse enthusiasts.

Young equestrians will be able to connect with horse-related and youth-related associations and organizations exhibiting in the Pavilion. A variety of informative and fun activities will focus on the importance of educating and involving children in the horse industry.

“Children are essential to the future visibility of the equine industry,” said Snyder. “It is important for us to encourage their interest in horses and give them the same level of educational experiences and opportunities that we offer to all horse lovers at Equine Affaire.”

Two other important changes at the event involve the schedule. The trade show will open a half hour earlier on Thursday (at 9 am) and – in an effort to reduce fatigue levels – close a half hour earlier Thursday through Sunday (at 7:30 pm). The earlier closing time will enable the event staff to open the doors of the Pfizer Fantasia at 7:30 pm for the 8 pm show.

More than 200 different clinics, seminars and demonstrations will unfold in five venues over four days. An impressive roster of professional presenters representing a broad range of equestrian backgrounds will host clinics in the Practical Horseman Area in the Coliseum, the Wahl Clipper Area in the Mallery Complex, the Tropical Rider Arena in the Young Building, and the GLC 5500 Demo Rin in the Mallery Arena.

By popular demand, this year’s clinicians will include Karen and David O’Connor (eventing), Josh Lyons (general training and reining), Debbie McDonald (dressage), George Williams (dressage), Monty Roberts (Join-up®), Don Stewart Jr (hunters), Lynn Palm (western pleasure, western horsemanship, trail and hunter under saddle), GaWaNi Pony Boy (relationship training), Elizabeth Shatner (English pleasure), Chester Weber (driving), Kristie Peterson (barrel racing and pole bending), Julie Goodnight (general training), Elizabeth Graves (easy-gaited horses), Tanya Larrigan (general training), Steve Bowers (draft horses), Charles Wilhelm (western and trail riding), Dale Myler (bitting), N.H. Cavalry Mounted Shooters (cowboy mounted shooting), Lisa Dufresne (miniature horses and trick horse training) and Olissio Zoppe (vaulting).

The American Livestock Supply Seminar Stage in the Better Living Center will offer more than 140 seminars over four days. The non-stop educational presentations led by equine industry experts will include practical and pertinent topics of equine business management, horse training and conditioning, grooming, shoeing, horse health and reproduction.

The diversity continues with the presenters speaking on topics such as western and english saddle fitting, clipping, trail riding, purchasing a horse, equine massage, equine emergency protocol, horse theft and recovery, care of the orphaned or rescued foal, homeopathy, herbs, equestrian exercise, pre-purchase exams, show jumping, animal communications, trailer maintenance, geriatric horse care, and laminitis.

Many outstanding seminar and demonstration presenters will share their expertise, including Nona Garson, Joe Quinterno, Nancy Cottrill (DVM), Debi Metcalfe, Dana Boyd-Miller, Harry Werner (VMD), Rob Keen (DVM), Aaron Bromagem, Stacey Small, Roger Lauze, Garth and Kathy Rumsmoke, Brent Kelley (DVM), Mary Midkiff, Ronald J. Emond (DVM), the Eastern Competitive Trail Riding Association and members of the American Farrier’s Association Foraging Team.

For more information on the event, call 1-740-845-0085 from 9 am to 5 pm or visit www.equineaffaire.com.