Attending Horse Shows & Events: A Complete Guide
As the fall season rolls in, so do a wide variety of horse shows, trade events, and equestrian competitions across the U.S. In a recent episode of the Double D Trailers Podcast, Brad from Double D Trailers shares insights about some of the top equestrian events this season and offers practical tips on how to make the most of your experience as both an attendee and a vendor.
Whether you’re planning to attend, compete, or exhibit at one of these upcoming events, here’s what you need to know to get prepared! Tune in below.
Key Events and Shows for Horse Owners This Fall
- All-American Quarter Horse Congress
Dates: September 29 – October 27, 2024
Location: Columbus, Ohio
This month-long event is one of the largest equestrian gatherings in the world, with over 650,000 attendees annually. It features everything from youth judging contests to versatility events and a massive trade show spanning over 20 acres.
Pro Tip: Check the event schedule early to plan which contests, speakers, or shopping opportunities you don’t want to miss. - Sacramento International Horse Show
Dates: October 2 – 9, 2024
Location: Sacramento, California
Brad recommends this event for its pleasant fall weather and spacious outdoor setup. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to some busier, indoor shows.
Pro Tip: If you're bringing a trailer, plan ahead for freight and delivery to ensure your trailer arrives on time. - Pennsylvania National Horse Show
Dates: October 10 – 20, 2024
Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Running since 1946, this prestigious show draws around 15,000 attendees annually. It’s also known for its charitable work, having raised over $1.5 million for youth programs.
Pro Tip: Book your accommodations early! Rooms fill up quickly, especially during major events like this. - Ocala International Horse Show
Dates: October 22 – 26, 2024
Location: Ocala, Florida
Located at the World Equestrian Center, this show features competitions for a variety of breeds, including American Saddlebreds and Hackney ponies. Family-friendly activities are also part of the fun.
Tips for Attending Horse Shows
Attending a horse show—whether as a competitor, vendor, or attendee—requires careful planning. Brad emphasizes the importance of logistics to ensure a smooth experience.
- Parking and Maps: Secure parking passes early, especially for multi-day events, and download event maps to stay organized.
- Planning Ahead: Shows like the All-American Quarter Horse Congress or the Equine Affaire often feature numerous speakers, clinicians, and competitions. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, make a list of the events most important to you and prioritize those.
- Food and Staying Healthy: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget about nutrition. Brad suggests bringing your own healthy snacks, especially if you’re spending long days in a booth.
Other Notable Events This Fall
- Breeders World Cup Championship (November 1 – 2, 2024, California)
- Equine Affaire (November 7 – 10, 2024, Massachusetts)
- North American International Livestock Expo (November 7 – 21, 2024, Kentucky)
- Turkey Trot and Jump (November 14 – 17, 2024, California)
- Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (December 5 – 14, 2024, Nevada)
Wrapping Up
Brad’s insights from this episode of the Double D Trailers Podcast highlight not just the excitement of attending these events but the importance of preparation and organization to ensure a successful experience. From parking and planning to nutrition and networking, there’s plenty to consider when gearing up for a fall full of horse shows.
If you’re a horse owner, vendor, or equestrian enthusiast, don’t miss this valuable episode to help you prepare for the upcoming season. Listen to the full podcast now and get ready for an amazing season of equestrian excellence!
Links to Featured Events:
- All-American Quarter Horse Congress
- Sacramento International Horse Show
- Pennsylvania National Horse Show
- Ocala International Horse Show
- Breeders World Cup Championship
- Equine Affaire
- North American International Livestock Expo
- Turkey Trot and Jump
- Wrangler National Finals Rodeo
- SEMA Show
Host (Brad): Welcome to the Horse Trailer Podcast! Today we’re discussing upcoming shows and events. Fall is always a great time for attending trade shows, rodeos, and competitions—they’re happening all over the US, and we thought it would be a good idea to share some of the shows you might be interested in. Whether you're planning to attend for the first time or are going back, there’s a lot to enjoy.
[00:01:00]
I've been attending shows for many years as a vendor—taking our horse trailers and other items. I know many of our listeners are also small business owners, and you may be used to setting up booths at shows too. I can tell you that shows are expensive! The last one we went to cost us a little over $20,000. Between paying for freight, getting trailers and staff there, flights, rooms, and having to set up several days in advance, it’s a big investment.
We also have to wait until the smaller booths set up around us, and we have to wait for them to clear out before we can pull our trailers out. A 3 or 4-day show can easily turn into a 7 or 8-day event for us. But I still love going to shows—the one-on-one interaction with clients, meeting people, and seeing the new innovations in the horse industry is something I always enjoy.
[00:03:00]
Planning for Shows
There’s a lot involved with planning to attend a show—things like parking, maps, food, and lodging are all important to consider. Often, you can buy a multi-day parking pass in advance, which is very convenient. It also helps to download the map for the event and check out the itinerary ahead of time so you can plan what you want to see and participate in. Many shows have speakers, competitions, and clinicians, so it’s helpful to prioritize what’s important to you.
If it’s an overnight event and you’re traveling, places to stay, like Airbnbs and hotels, tend to book quickly, so plan well in advance. For food, I’m usually at the booth from 7:30 or 8:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening. I like to eat healthy, which can be tough at a show. If cheeseburgers and elephant ears aren’t your go-to, be sure to bring along some healthier snacks.
[00:05:00]
Upcoming Shows in October
Let’s dive into some upcoming shows and events:
- All-American Quarter Horse Congress, Columbus, Ohio
Dates: September 29th - October 27th
This show runs for an entire month! Around 650,000 people attend each year. It's hosted by the Ohio Quarter Horse Association at the Ohio Expo Center. There are over 20 acres of trade show space, a youth judging contest, and a super sale with over 100 Quarter Horses. There are also versatility events and the Congress Cutting at the Buckeye Equestrian Center. I believe only Ohio trailer dealers are allowed at this show, so it’s a great place to find deals. - Sacramento International Horse Show, Sacramento, California
Dates: October 2nd - October 9th
Held at the Murieta Equestrian Center, I’ve attended this show many times. We’ll freight a trailer to the show, I’ll fly out, work a few days, then fly back. The weather in Sacramento during fall is pristine—not too hot or humid. This show is a bit more spread out, making it a comfortable experience without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. - Pennsylvania National Horse Show, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Dates: October 10th - October 20th
Held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, about 15,000 people attend each year. It’s been around since 1946 and is now a 4-day event with around 226 horses competing. They also do a lot of charity work and have raised over $1.5 million for youth programs. - Ocala International Horse Show, Ocala, Florida
Dates: October 22nd - October 26th
This show is held at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. This year will be the fourth annual event, showcasing equestrian excellence with American Saddlebreds, Hackney ponies, Dutch Harness Horses, Morgans, and more. There are also plenty of family-friendly activities.
[00:10:00]
November Events
- Breeders World Cup Championship, Del Mar, California
Dates: November 1st - November 2nd
This event is held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. - Equine Affaire, West Springfield, Massachusetts
Dates: November 7th - November 10th
I’ve been attending the Equine Affaire for many years. Unfortunately, we won’t be there this year, but it’s one of my favorite events. Over 100,000 people attend, and it’s a great place to connect with both vendors and clients. - North American International Livestock Expo, Louisville, Kentucky
Dates: November 7th - November 21st
This is a major event with 10 divisions and nearly 30,000 entries from across the US. Everything is housed under one roof, and there are numerous exhibitors and competitions. If you can’t attend in person, they also have a live stream available. - SEMA Show, Las Vegas, Nevada
Dates: November 5th - November 8th
SEMA stands for Specialty Equipment Market Association, and it’s held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. While it’s not specifically for horse trailers, it’s a great place to check out the latest automotive performance products, industry trends, and celebrity appearances. - Turkey Trot and Jump, Paso Robles, California
Dates: November 14th - November 17th
This event is held at the Horse Park in California. It’s a NorCal recognized horse show where competitors can earn NorCal points. It’s a competitive event for all levels of riders, especially for those in show jumping.
[00:15:00]
December Event
Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Las Vegas, Nevada
Dates: December 5th - December 14th
This is one event I’ve always wanted to attend. It’s held at the Thomas & Mack Center, with over 70,000 attendees. It’s the 66th annual rodeo, featuring 10 nights of rodeo action and a record-setting payout of over $11.5 million, including guaranteed prize money for qualifiers and payouts for round winners. It's a huge event that should definitely be on your bucket list.
[00:20:00]
We’ll have links to all these events listed in the podcast description below so you can click through to each of the event websites. Thanks so much for your time, guys! Enjoy these shows, and we’ll catch you next time.
