2 BIG DAYS!

IN 2007 — ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SHOW

Over the weekend of October 13th and14th, Lee Trade Shows and Country Folks held yet another successful Horse and Farm Expo. Back for its second year, the expo featured many exhibitors, speakers and demonstrations relating to the equine industry and rural living. Consumer Trade Show manager Beth Snyder explains the reasoning behind the event. After hearing requests from a fellow coworker for a show pertaining to rural living and a request from yet another to hold an equine related show, she explains “We discussed the concept of putting the two together and came up with the Horse and Farm Show.” The idea proved to be a good one, as since it’s inception in 2006, the expo has shown significant growth.
Designed to “offer something to horse lovers” and to those who have a hobby farm or just live in the country, the expo featured informative workshops, demonstrations and exhibits that are centered around all aspects of the equine industry and rural living. Expo demonstration coordinator Tina Krieger explains the motivation behind selecting the demonstrators present for the two day event. “I was looking for people with varied credentials.” she stated. “I wanted to have a person come to the show and see all aspects of the equine industry.” With speakers such as Mitzi Summers, a CHA Level 4 instructor, attendees could come to the expo and receive a bit of hands on education as Mitzi not only “works with a person on a horse, but off a horse as well in order to improve their riding.” By listening to natural horseman, Billy Smith one could learn how to start a colt. “He can show people how to start right from the beginning.”

Other demonstrations featured organizations such as The Company of the Red Shield Medieval Horsemanship and the New York Peacemakers Cowboy Mounted Shooters. With both such groups, Krieger feels it is a way to “show people there are other things out there to enjoy with your horse.” Both are “relatively new aspects” and it is important for people to know “there are such clubs out there to join.” Other demonstrators such as Richie Fisher and Colleen Aiken provided useful lessons on reining and dressage, while Rich Kennedy gave a demonstration on team roping and members of the Eastern Mountain Ranch Horse Association provided “a way for people to see a working ranch horse in action.”

Various speakers throughout the weekend provided information and answered questions on equine digestion, nutrition and health, horse ownership and politics, hoof trimming, massage therapy and the New York State Horse Park. During the day, attendees could travel from the arena, where the exciting demonstrations were being held, to the speaker tent for the informative lectures. Saturday night, they were treated to the feature event - the Equine Extravaganza. Back for a repeat performance was bareback and vaulting pro - JD Winslow with his magnificent Belgian and Brabants. After his vaulting demo during the day, JD and assistant Julie Russell delighted the audience with a light comedy routine featuring their expert bareback skills. The medieval horseman and barrel racers appeared to be quite popular with the audience, as Snyder stated there were “a lot of cheers for them.” Also featured during the extravaganza was a dazzling parade of breeds, showcasing the many breeds that were present during the weekend. Many of those breeds were stabled just outside the arena for expo attendees to take a look at and visit with owners. The up-close-and-personal interaction with owners gave those looking to purchase their first horse a chance to “learn what breed may be right for them.”

A new feature to the 2007 expo was the Skid Steer Rodeo, added to “entice more people” and to “provide another fun event” Snyder explained. “It was free to enter, with a top prize of a $300 outdoor fireplace plus other cash prizes.” Definitely proving to be a popular enticement, the Skid Steer Rodeo drew fifteen entrants for its first year. As the commercial manager for Lee Trade Shows, Ken Maring was impressed by the turnout and stated “for a first year effort, there was record breaking participation.” Having confidence in the status of the Horse and Farm Expo, he said “the growth after the first year show can only be considered phenomenal” adding “we’ve got a real winner on our hands and we see only great things (for its future).”

The show didn’t cater to just adults alone. There were plenty of activities for children as well. A face painting booth, pumpkin decorating station, visits with Spiderman and a newly added feature - the Stick Horse Rodeo, were all intended to entertain the youngsters who attended the show with their parents. Crafters and vendors had many rural and equine related items displayed for shoppers to purchase. And hungry attendees were treated to barbecue from Smokey’s BBQ or Boyers Chicken Barbecue. Local organizations such as the Canajoharie-Ft. Plain Elks 2621 and Canajoharie Fire Department set up booths as well, not only providing tasty fare for the public but helping raise funds for their organizations as well.

Many exhibitors profited greatly, not just from sales of their products but by gaining exposure as well. Glen Tuttle of Muck Movers was pleased at the interest he received and already is planning to attend next year. He said, “As a new business it is important to get in front of potential customers to talk about the service I offer. The steady flow of people gave me that opportunity.” Gerry Maring, who had a table displaying her homemade baked goods said, “I thought the show went off fine and there was a much bigger crowd this year than last year. I sold all of my baked goods.” Even organizations such as the Adirondack Miniature Horse Club profited from the exposure as many people stopped to inquire about the group. Club president, Becky Montano was pleased to “meet and converse with other ‘country folk’ and horse enthusiasts! It was a rare chance for us to show the public the advantages of the miniature horse.”
Every aspect of the 2007 Horse and Farm Expo proved to be successful for all involved and plans are already set in motion for next year’s show to be held October 4th and 5th. Due to the increase in popularity, organizers have to “add another building” to accommodate the exhibitors that are signing up.