Equestrian Lifestyle Expo & Holiday Market presents Everything Equestrian! Whether you’re looking for feed, tack, togs, a barn to house them – or just a good time learning more about horses and the equestrian lifestyle – you’ll find it at Expo along with great gift ideas.
Arlington Park Racecourse is one of nation’s largest and most beautiful Thoroughbred facilities. Expo will be indoors at the grandstand, which can accommodate booths and seminar areas but cannot accommodate horses, hence Expo’s focus on education, entertainment, equestrian-themed activities and shopping.
Shopping is on the grandstand main level with learning opportunities and lots of fun activities in four seminar and game areas on the upper level. Visitors soon see that Expo is “not your father’s” horse fair. It includes the serious educational programming you expect, plus many exciting new features not found at other events.
Julie Goodnight, star of RFD-TV’s “Horse Master” and Dr. Randel Raub, PhD, head of equine research at Purina Mills’ 1,100-acre 75-horse research farm, joins equine industry leaders in presenting a wide range of programming suitable for professionals, amateur competitors, recreational riders and even those who just love the lifestyle. Click on “Programming” in index for presenter topics and bios.
Holiday gift items include jewelry, art, books, stationery, home/barn/lounge accessories – even chocolates in the shape of horse heads.
Vendors offer English and Western tack, clothing for all breeds and disciplines; feed, supplements, health care products; trailers, facilities, equipment and stable supplies.
Just for the fun of it, Expo offers presentations on “The Horse in Entertainment,” by Laura Amandis, former show director for Arabian Knights Dinner Theater in Orlando, as well as sessions from experts on equestrian-themed decorating, the horse in art, animal communication – even book readings by author Marcia A. Thibeault, DVM, today’s James Herriot incarnate.
There also are contests testing horse knowledge – Hippology for all ages – with prizes for adults and youngsters.
In addition to the nutrition, business and training educational programming at Expo, there is a fascinating look into the psyche of horse and rider. Speakers include animal communication practitioner Asia Voight, whose uncanny insight into what a horse is thinking amazes owners; sports psychologist Dr. Morgan Wolin, who has helped prominent teams and players develop a winning attitude, as well as helping equestrians deal with mental blocks; ASID designer Susan B. Behringer, who inspires listeners with her “how to” presentation on incorporating your passion for horses into your home decor.
Part of Expo’s programming format is seminars and roundtables – literally – where attendees spend 15 minutes at a table with an expert before moving on to the next table, topic and expert. Think of it as speed dating with the pros.
Subjects include how to buy your first horse, drafting your own liability release to reduce legal risk in equine activities, equine mortality and medical insurance, current health issues, how to manage small acreage horse pastures and paddocks, what to do until the vet arrives, leg wrapping, how to recognize quality in selecting young performance horses, budget-minded marketing for horse businesses, and many more.
There will be displays and informational booths by clubs and associations representing breeds and disciplines, stables, and colleges with horse programs.
Arlington Park is 20 minutes northwest of Chicago's O'Hare Airport and is accessible from all major expressways, interstate routes and commuter trains. It has 7,814 parking spaces. See index for map and directions.
Expo has negotiated excellent rates at host hotels for attendees. Click on Host Hotels in the index for details.
