MADISON, Wis. (Friday, April 26, 2024) – The 43rd annual Midwest Horse Fair® brought equine enthusiasts en masse to its three-day event Friday, April 19–Sunday, April 21 at Alliant Energy Center, breaking the Friday attendance record with nearly 23,000 fairgoers and more than 60,000 throughout the weekend.
“We feel privileged to be a part of an amazing equine community and be able to host an annual event for them to come together and celebrate our horses,” said fair Executive Director Teri Giannetti. “This year was once again filled with world-class clinicians and performers, daring rodeo competitors and more! We’re awed and inspired by all the equine-centered learning and fun we witnessed throughout the weekend, plus the best shopping ever, and we can’t wait for next year.”
The fair hosted 400 exhibitors, 30+ clinicians, and 30+ breed and discipline groups. The popular PRCA Rodeo once again sold out both nights, and captive audiences enjoyed a variety of other entertainment throughout the weekend, including the Top Hand Challenge; Celebrity Breakfasts with Amberley Snyder and John Harrison; the World Championship Blacksmith competition; and more!
New events this year included:
• The Wisconsin FFA State Horse Evaluation Career Development Event • The Equine Career Exploration Forum
• Rare, Critical and Threatened Breeds, which highlighted and provided education on these groups
Extraordinary equine professionals, including Snyder (Barrel Racing), Diane Carney (Hunter Jumper), Cole Cameron (Colt Starting) and Stephen Hayes (Dressage), led impressive demonstrations and clinics. The youngest fairgoers enjoyed pony rides, carriage rides, hands-on activities at the Kids Corral and other family-friendly events, including a special appearance by Celebrity Horse HD Harkness “Hark” Breyer.
The Midwest Horse Fair® has an estimated $11 million economic impact on the Madison area each year, resulting from spending at local hotels, restaurants, shops and other businesses.
The 44th Midwest Horse Fair® will take place April 11–13, 2025. The theme will be “Journey Home,” as the fair looks forward to its annual gathering together once again at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.
To learn more about the fair, visit MidwestHorseFair.com. You can also find the fair on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter).
