COLUMBUS, Ohio — One thing can be said of the annual Equine Affaire in Columbus - there is no shortage of variety for horsemen of any kind.

Whether one engages in miniature horses, therapeutic riding or simple pleasure driving, there is an appeal at this show for every horse enthusiast.

The 13th annual Equine Affaire will be held at the Ohio Expo Center April 6-9. It is the longest running equine exposition and equestrian gathering in the country. The four-day event attracts more than 100,000 and offers clinics, seminars, educational programs and a trade show that is certain to connect enthusiasts of similar interests.

“There is no one big attraction at the Equine Affaire,” said Janice Abate, marketing coordinator for the annual show. “What we do best is we offer so much about the industry that we appeal to everyone’s interest. We put it all out there and everyone can choose what they want to specialize in. We have a lot to offer for the casual rider and much for the professionals as well.”

Twelve years ago the goal of show’s organizers was to offer countless opportunities for horse owners and enthusiasts to meet and learn directly from some of the world’s most accomplished horsemen, as well as to see some of the country’s finest horses.

Those goals haven’t changed. In fact, it has blossomed and now there are 200 clinics, seminars and demonstrations taking place each day.

“We’re proud of our ability to bring together so many highly-respected competitors, trainers and coaches from numerous horse sports and disciplines,” said Equine Affaire President Eugenia Snyder. “This year we have focused on featuring a combination of nationally-recognized general tra iners as well as leading coaches and competitors from a variety of equine disciplines.”

For most horse enthusiasts the Equine Affaire is a time to simply chat with other owners who might share common interests. Others use the event to attend clinics which deal with general training, dressage, huntseat equestrian, mounted police training and even biomechanics.

Industry experts will present non-stop sessions on a wide variety of horse management and training issues for horse owners and enthusiasts of all levels.

Topics will include breeding, equine law, horse show preparation, equine sales, equine photography, ribbon crafts and equine literature.

While quite appealing to adults, horse-crazy children will have their own forum in which to demonstrate and increase their horse knowledge.

“The younger generation is the key to building a strong basis for the horse industry of the future,” Snyder said. “We are committed to developing a quality educational program in the Youth Pavilion to engage tomorrow’s horse owners, competitors and professionals. This is an ideal place to bring kids face-to-face with professionals who not only teach them more about horses, but can also serve as role models for the opportunities to succeed in the equine community.”

The Pfizer Fantasia is an entertainment show, which showcases the beauty and diversity of horses and this event will take place.

The Breed Pavilion offers the public the chance to learn more about stallions, farms, boarding stables, training and breeding services in the region. In all, five buildings on the premise will house more than 450 displays of equine-related merchandise.

The Equine Affaire is open 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. April 6-8 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 9. Daily admission to all clinics, seminars, demonstrations, Breed Pavilion and Youth Pavilion is $12 for adults and $7 for children ages 7-12. Four-day passes are $36 for adults and $21 for children.

For more information about the event contact the Equine Affaire office at 740-845-0085.

This farm news was published in the March 22, 2006 issue of Farm World.