Saskatoon hosted its first annual Saskatchewan Equine Expo at Saskatoon Prairieland Park Feb. 17 to 19. The three day expo featured educational seminars, hands-on clinics, demonstrations, an industry trade show, association meetings and the opportunity for horse enthusiasts to network.
Lori Cates, Prairieland Park Agriculture Manager admitted the organizing committee had been overwhelmed with response from the tradeshow exhibitor and overall attendance perspective.
"We hoped to have 50 tradeshow booths and received 129," commented Cates Saturday afternoon. " We anticipated to see 600 to 800 people per day and in reality saw between 1,500 and 2,000 per day."
Many 4-H clubs took advantage of the Saskatchewan event and travelled with their members to Saskatoon to experience the expo.
"We saw equine enthusiasts from all across Saskatchewan and Alberta," said Lori. "Exhibitors were from Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and companies from Nova Scotia and Ontario. It was an overwhelming response." The industry trade show far exceeded expectations with vendors indicating they will be back next year. Feedback received from the vendors indicated that additional space and additional trade show days should be considered by the organizing committee.
Cates indicated additional buildings will be added to next year's show to accommodate the numerous requests for additional display space.
Attendance in the arena where the demonstrations were held exceeded its seating capacity leaving spectators with standing room only.
"When we needed to add extra bleachers to accommodate the crowd, or to move the round pen in and out of the arena, volunteers came out of the crowd to help us," said livestock manager Brenda Sapergia. "That's the Saskatchewan spirit, and confirms that Saskatchewan people really appreciate that we are showcasing the equine industry right here in Saskatoon!"
Clinics were presented by Olympic dressage champion Gina Smith; centered riding instructor Sue Leffler and international reining champion, Shawna Sapergia and were a huge success with spectators and pre-registered students.
A unique feature over the course of the weekend was the Trainer's Challenge sponsored by North American Equine Ranching Information Council (NAERIC). The event showcased the talents and skills of three outstanding horse trainers: Kade Mills of Innisfail, Alta., Cain Quam of Kendal and Dale Clearwater of Hanley. These highly sought-after horse trainers were able to mesmerize the crowd with their individual training skills. A cordless headset provided the audience with the ability to hear the comments made by the trainers throughout the sessions.
At the end of the weekend, Dale Clearwater was awarded the Champion title.
The first equine extravaganza was held the evening of Feb. 18. Attendance was overwhelming and, once again, proved to exceed organizers' expectations. The event showcased nine horse breeds and disciplines. The featured breeds included Peruvian Paso, American Paint, Arabian, Canadian Warmblood, Canadian Horses, Gypsy Cob, Spanish Norman, Morgan and Welsh, and Miniature.
The reining and cutting demonstrations demonstrated the skill and working relationship between the rider and horse. The audience was amazed by the speed and accuracy of the Mounted Shooters Association as participants proceeded to shoot at balloons while mounted and riding.
The grand finale was the graceful yet rugged Clydesdales in an eight-horse hitch.
Valley area horse breeders and trainers, Henry and Nicole Gauthier of LaPlaine Quarter Horses and Paints at Duck Lake were overwhelmed yet not surprised by the event.
"When I heard that a equine expo was being organized for Saskatchewan, I knew it would be a huge success. This is a great opportunity to promote the great equine industry in Saskatchewan," commented Nicole from their exhibitor booth explaining that they had been extremely busy throughout the weekend.
Paula and Dave Morch and Gerd Martin as well as other members and farriers of the Western Canadian Farrier Association(WCFA) manned an exhibitor's booth. The WCFA supports education for working farriers as well as horse owners, hosts clinics and competitions and funds the hard- working western farrier team. As farriers, the Morchs are involved with promoting and raising awareness of the farriers within the province. Saskatchewan's third WCFA competition and clinic will be held May 26 to 27 north of Saskatoon at Equilibrium Therapeutic Riding arena.
Due to the overwhelming success of the first annual Equine Expo, plans are underway for the second annual Equine Expo in 2013.
