November 14, 2026
2026 Equine Affaire
If you love horses as much as I do and happen to be in or near West Springfield, Massachusetts this weekend, be sure to visit this year’s Equine Affaire, North America’s premier equestrian exposition. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore the latest developments, trends, and products in the ever-evolving equine industry.
My stable team attended day one of the four-day event yesterday. First established in 1993 as an educational convention for horse enthusiasts and professionals, Equine Affaire brings together trainers, coaches, and equine experts from across the country. Attendees can participate in informative clinics and demonstrations, meet dozens of horse breeds from around the world, and browse an extensive marketplace of vendors and their equestrian products. It’s a great event for anyone who wants to learn more about horses, their care, training, and the equestrian world.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
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- Helen and the team took care of all the daily horse chores before leaving my farm. Fortunately, the event is not too far.
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- The main mission of the Equine Affaire is to help educate and improve horse management and care. The event is held twice a year – once in Massachusetts and once in Ohio. More than 30-thousand horse enthusiasts attend the event annually. This is the coliseum at Springfield’s Big E where classes and shows are held.
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- Helen and the team arrived early to see as much as possible in a few short hours. The group was one of the first seated for this horse show.
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- The event also features demos on all of the major equestrian sports from dressage, reining, cutting, jumping, driving, eventing, and barrel racing to team penning and sorting, distance competition, western dressage, trail, polo, and sidesaddle. It’s a great way for all riders to gain more information and talk to experts.
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- Educational programs and clinics remain the cornerstones of the events. These are always well attended.
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- In between exhibitions, it’s a mad rush for equine product shopping. Dozens of saddles were available for both English and Western riders.
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- The Dorset Equine Rescue was also there. I adopted two young Friesians through the organization last year. The Dorset Equine Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in southwestern Vermont dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming at-risk horses.
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- It’s always nice to see a familiar face – here’s Helen with Dorset Equine Rescue’s barn manager, Tiffany Vittum.
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- Recognize this guy? It’s Jimmy Oliveras, from my outdoor grounds crew. He also helps in the stable when needed, so he attended the event too – on his day off. Nice beret, Jimmy.
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- Helen stops at the Stabul booth. Stabul is a U.S. based horse treat manufacturer. All their products are made in the United States.
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- I am always on the lookout for quality food, equipment, and supplies for all my animals. It’s important to me that I provide what I can to keep them in the best condition. Stabul specializes in nutritional, high‑fiber horse treats that are low‑starch, low‑sugar, and molasses‑free.
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- Footing First is a sports surface footing provider that designs, supplies, and installs premium horse arena solutions for equestrian facilities, competition venues, and private barns. Helen learned a lot about what kind of footing materials are best.
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- Footing First displayed a variety of sample footing materials for passersby to look at, feel, and compare while learning. Proper footing materials balance firmness, cushioning, and grip so horses can move safely.
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- These are Nelson horse waterers for use inside the stalls and outside in the paddocks – they are durable, reliable, and easy to maintain. They also have a heating feature which prevents water from freezing during cold months.
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- Equi-Analytical is a specialized laboratory service that provides nutrient analysis for forage, feed, and related horse products. It is crucial to know what nutrients one’s horses are offered, so feed protocols can be adjusted based on actual needs.
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- And, for those who appreciate horse photography, award-winning wild horse artist and photographer, Caroline Christie, also had a booth at the event to sell prints of wild horses and burros.
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- At night, more horse shows in the grand coliseum. This one is called “Fantasia,” and shows a musical celebration of the horse through horsemanship, breeds, and equestrian artistry.
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- The show blends music, drama, action, and the beauty of horses.
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- It displays a variety of different performance acts to exhibit horsemanship in many disciplines. It’s great for horse fanciers of all ages. So, please go to the Equine Affaire web site to learn more and buy tickets. You and your family will be informed, inspired and entertained!
This story originally appeared on Martha Stewart Blog
