Western States Horse Expo is Shopping Mecca for All
Whether you’re in search of a new tractor or a bling-shiny new blouse, Western States Horse Expo is an exciting journey of one-stop shopping.
The event, June 5-7 at Cal Expo in Sacramento, California, hosts over 500 exhibitors. “At seven weeks before the expo we were at 85% exhibitor capacity,” reports Expo founder and president Miki Nelsen. This remarkable statistic reflects the horse industry’s growth and resurgence, as well as the popularity and success of this Expo. “We haven’t seen this kind of response in a number of years,” adds Nelsen, “and we’re anticipating a waiting list.”
Expo attendees all wind up shopping, whether it’s first on their list or last. One attendee admits, “I always think I’m going for the incredible education and wonderful demonstrations,” she smiles, “but once I start through the maze of buildings packed with exhibitors, I start my shopping spree. It’s a good thing the Expo is three days so I can see everything. They even offer ‘park your packages’ and a free service to tote all my purchases out to my truck!”
Interested in how glue-on horseshoes work? Stop by their booth. Perhaps your family wants to spend time at a guest ranch. Yup, that’s represented here too. What about endurance riding and the world-famous Tevis Cup Ride? They have a booth too, with videos of horse and rider teams challenging the notorious Cougar Rock. Have you always wanted to compare how different saddles feel to sit in? There are aisles and aisles of quality saddles, from English to Western to Australian. Go ahead, swing into the saddle, put your feet in the stirrups and see what fits you best. Qualified saddle sales people will help you determine what size seat is right for you and what kind of saddle is best for your style of riding.
There are great deals to be made on trailers, barns, stall fronts, tractors and farm equipment. Kick some tires, compare all the manufacturers, and then purchase the bargain of the year! Check out these items on-line and then step up with your offer — these dealers are here to help you with financing and making the best deal.
Another shopper admits going to the Horse Expo every year since it began 17 years ago. “I have a credit card that I only use for Horse Expo,” her eyes crinkling with laughter, “and my husband doesn’t know about it! But I only shop once a year and this is the place. I outfit myself, my horse, home, barn, trailer and truck. Last year I found exactly the stand-up water tank I wanted for inside my trailer. My local tack shop doesn’t carry shiny-bling-sparkling Western blouses, but I found them at the Expo and bought everyone in my size!”
If you’re searching for that perfect silver concho to dress up a classic bridle, or stunning jewelry for yourself, vendors at the Expo will satisfy your sterling needs. And if you need a carved sign for the entrance to your barn, put in your order in the morning and pick it up in the afternoon! Western hats? There are acres of them at the Expo. Looking for that perfect piece of original art for your living room? The Expo hosts a juried art show and all the pieces are for sale.
Whatever your wildest dream for horse related items, it can all be found here at the Western States Horse Expo, June 5-7. Attending each day allows plenty of time for shopping, demonstrations, competitions, education and sharing horse stories with friends you see here.
The one-day ticket price is $18 at the gate or $45 for all three days. But here’s an even greater way to save on tickets. Until May 1, on-line tickets are only $13, and from May 1 to June 5, on-line tickets are $15 each. So visit on-line at www.Horsexpo.com to buy tickets and save enough money for corn dogs at the expo!
For more information, visit www.Horsexpo.com or call 800.352.2411.
