Top national clinicians join equine educators and 140 vendors offering all things for the equestrian – from recreational horsemen to professionals – at the 23rd annual Illinois
Horse Fair.

Produced by Horsemen's Council of Illinois (HCI), the all-breed expo annually attracts more than 10,000 horsemen.

In addition to learning training techniques from experts, Horse Fair gives attendees access to unique HorsesForSale aisles, breed and sport demonstrations, Stallion Row and Parade and the All-Youth Horse Judging Trials.

Guy McLean believes that the best tools in horsemanship are ‘Knowledge, Compassion, Patience and Imagination” and in using these, many a fine partnership has been formed. Since 1999, Guy and his equine team (led by Nugget for 12 years) performed all over Australia at every major equine event and agricultural show. Guy was named an official ‘Ambassador of the Outback’ and through his performances of horsemanship, bush poetry and whip cracking, he has helped to keep the traditions of the bush and the true Aussie stockman, alive. He has won ‘Equitana’s’, ‘Way of the Horse’ young horse starting competition and has been acclaimed by his fans and Australian dignitaries alike as a national treasure and living legend. Now based in Texas, Guy and his “team” are on tour of the United States.

Details on Guy McLean’s sessions

Charles Wilhelm from Castro Valley, CA, returns to the 2012 Horse Fair after well-received appearances both at the 2011 Horse Fair and Equestrian Lifestyle Expo He is known internationally as America’s most respected horse trainer and the creator of Ultimate Foundation Training – equine training techniques that combine the best of traditional, classical and natural horsemanship into a methodology that is applicable to every riding discipline. His unique approach enables horse owners to train their own horses in a safe and fun manner.

Wilhelm’s extensive background over 35 years of training includes Dressage, Working Cow Horse, Reining, Western Pleasure and Trail. He is one of the few clinicians of our time who is known for his superb skills in communicating and motivating people as well as his astounding natural abilities with the horse.

Details on Charles Wilhelm’s sessions

Tracy Porter and her Paso Fino stallion Caz have been featured clinicians at many horse fairs across the United States and Canada and have competed and won in various disciplines from Craig Cameron’s Extreme Cowboy Races to distance rides. Involved in many equine disciplines, she’s shown that the only limits we have are those that we’ve placed on ourselves.

Tracy brings fun, common sense and a sense of humor to foundation training. A good teacher knows the student needs to understand “why” as much as “how” in order to truly comprehend. Lessons also have to be simple but still be progressive. By keeping the “H” in Horse: heart, humbleness and hope, she’ll show you that the joy of horse ownership is the journey, not the blue ribbon. Tracy stresses common sense training and principles that apply to all horses and riders 100% of the time.

Details on Tracy Porter’s sessions

Returning to Horse Fair is the All-Youth Horse Judging Trials presented by Horsemen's Council of Illinois in cooperation with the University of Illinois. Open to all youth (non-collegiate) horse judging teams, the Trials will be held Saturday morning.

Info on All-Youth Horse Judging Trials

For information about commercial space, breed demos, stallions and HorsesForSale, contact the coordinator listed in the Exhibit Information section of this website.

Exhibitor Information

Clinic riders will learn from leading trainers in two-hour arena sessions Saturday and Sunday. Fees range from $150 - $200. The public may audit the sessions with a general admission ticket to
Horse Fair.

• Western Dressage by advocate Lynne Levy and practitioner David Davis
More info/application

• Barrel Racing Clinic by Storme Camarillo, mom Sharon’s protégé
More info/application

• All-Breed Gaited Riding Clinic by multi-disciplined Lynne Levy
More info/application

they go about conducting wellness exams and lameness evaluations, using a live horse whose bone structure has been painted onto him to help you visualize exactly where the vet is looking and what he's seeking. The vets also will explain vaccine programs and recommendations and respiratory testing, encouraging your questions about each procedure...Saturday and Sunday in the Carriage Room of Barn 18.

Want to know exactly how a horseshoer approaches balance and conformation as it pertains to proper hoof care? Want to see live horseshoeing related to this concern? Or have questions about other aspects of the art as it may relate to your horse? Stop by presentations at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the Carriage Room as these professionals demonstrate live shoeing and respond to your questions.

...featuring David Davis and his Horseback Music Ministry in which he preaches, sings and demonstrates freestyle reining, cowboy dressage and a trick horse presentation. He does Christian Contemporary and Country  Concerts, revivals, horseback ministry and just preachin'. Preaching, singing and horses are the passions of his life.

The shopping is outstanding at Illinois Horse Fair…Best in the state. It's virtually an equestrian shopping center, with more than 140 different commercial vendors featuring saddlery, clothing, boots and hats, jewelry, art, equestrian services, barns and fencing, even colleges with equine programs.

Many different brands of horse trailers will be on display by dealers ready to make sales. Nowhere else in Illinois will you find as many trailers, horse merchandise and supplies than at Illinois Horse Fair.

The program and layout at Horse Fair are friendly and convenient. You're encouraged to ask questions and interact with the clinicians and speakers, welcomed back in the barns to talk to the owners and trainers who present 25 breed and discipline demonstrations by all the popular breeds as well as breeds not seen
as widely.

Mare owners can check out the breeding stallions on Stallion Row and in the daily Parade of Stallions, while almost everyone wants to see what's stabled on the HorsesForSale aisles. Horse Fair takes no commission but rather provides a common ground where buyer and seller can meet and talk directly.

The atmosphere in the HorsesForSale aisles is low-key and congenial, presenting horses of many breeds, ages and capabilities. Potential buyers can evaluate many horses right on the grounds, eliminating costly and time-consuming travel. There were more than 75 horses registered last year.

Info on HorsesForSale

Purchasing advance tickets is recommended
to avoid long lines at the Horse Fair
ticket windows.

General admission tickets give access to all exhibits, clinics and presentations. Adult tickets are $6 for Friday and $12 for Saturday or Sunday; child/senior tickets are $4 and $6. Weekend passes are $20 adult and $10 child/senior.

HorseCapades evening shows require separate tickets for Friday and Saturday: General Admission $9 adult, $6 child/senior; Reserved Seating $15 adult, $10 child/senior.

Advance tickets may be charged to a
credit card.

Because last year's evening entertainment sold out, buying show tickets in advance is highly recommended.

Order Tickets