The Annual Washington State Horse Expo, a gathering of horses, riders, vendors and experts, will be back for its third year Feb. 15-17, at the Clark County Event Center (fairgrounds), 17402 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield, utilizing the Exhibition Hall.
For the past three years, the Washington State Horse Expo has been attended by horse riders and enthusiasts from all over the region. Attendees go to the event to see clinics, fashion shows, demonstrations and to view some of the finest horses, all at one location. This event is one of the largest horse events of its kind in the Pacific Northwest and offers some of the finest in equine education and entertainment for the horse enthusiast.
The event will feature national experts, multiple stages, fashion shows and dozens of equine vendors and numerous children’s activities.
The event is open to attendees Fri., Feb. 15, 3-9 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 16, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sun., Feb. 17, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
This year’s Horse Expo will feature national, regional and state presenters. The event is complete with everything from an Extreme Cowboy Race, to national clinicians and trainers, regional and local experts, special guests and resources on equine nutrition and health and wellness seminars.
New to this year’s event, there will be a Buck-a-Roo Bash and Horse Adoption. Area singing star Carrie Cunningham, along with the Six Shooters, will add in some music and fun for the Saturday night party. Also, the BlackPearl Friesian Dance Troupe will make an appearance during the expo.
Expo goers can expect to see national experts, celebrities and other spokespersons attending the event. Julie Goodnight will make an appearance as The Horse Master on her award-winning RFD-TV television show. She will present the Riding Right series inside the arena.
Called the “public defender of the horse,” Craig Cameron dedicates himself to those who educate their horses by first educating themselves. He is also involved in the Horse Expo’s Extreme Cowboy Race, which was originated by the first “Original Extreme Cowboy,” Craig Cameron.
Other special guests include Steve Rother, Raye Lochert, Rick Brighton, Kyle Kellmer and Rick Lamb. In addition, Wayne Williams will be the announcer for this year’s expo. Williams is the voice of more than 20 top horse expos nationwide and in Canada.
The event will include several activities for children, plus the following seminars: Working Cattle, Developing a Great Handle on your Horse, and some demonstrations, including Controlling a Pushy/Aggressive Horse and Six Tricks Great Horsemen Use Every Day. Ridgefield Equine will also do a lecture on preventing lameness during the expo.
More than 80,000 Clark County households are calculated to have an average of four horses each, and these horse enthusiasts spend more than $140 million each year on their horse care, maintenance and lessons, according to a 2009 Impact Study done by the Clark County Executive Horse Council. According to a news release from the Clark County Event Center, this makes Clark County the number one county in the state of Washington for horse ownership.
Admission to the Third Annual Washington State Horse Expo is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors older than 62 and youth 7-12 years old and free for children 7 and younger. Parking is $6. Tickets will be sold at the gate only, no pre-sales. Three-day event passes are available at the gate for $24 for adults and $20 for seniors and youth.
