The biggest horse event for the Sacramento area starts this week! There is something for every horse person to enjoy. The Western States Horse Expo is the place for shopping, clinics, demonstrations, and more! Here are some highlights to check out:
Thursday is the Magnificent 7 preliminary competition. 15 horse and rider teams compete in rein work, herd work, steer stopping, and fence work for a spot in the finals on Friday night. Thursday is free to watch, so go and cheer on your favorite team. The list of goes and more information are here The Friday night finals require a different ticket to get in and can be purchased at the expo. The tickets are $15 and the show starts at 7pm. This years judges include Benny Guitron and Bob Avila.
The expo officially opens on Friday at 9am. Friday and Saturday are open from 9am to 7pm. Sunday is 9am until 5pm. Tickets are$18. A three day pass is $45. Kids 7-13 are $5 (6 and under are free) Sunday is Senior day and tickets are $12 for 60 and older. $3 off coupon can be found here Half off tickets are available here
New this year is Project Cowgirl. It will test riders skills with their horse and in front of a camera for a chance at their own show on RFD-TV. Rounds 1 & 2 of the competition are free to watch and happen on the morning of Friday, June 8th, at 9am. The other eliminations are on Saturday at 9am. Finals are on Sunday at 10am. More information here
Young Rider Park is a great place to take the horse crazy kids in your life. Kids can paint a real horse, go on a pony ride, and there is a petting zoo. The Young Rider Park is open all day everyday. More info here
If you have never watched horse driving then the Expo is the place to check it out. The Driving Darby is an competition where horse(s) and driver(s) complete an obstacle course with speed and precision. It is always great fun to watch. It runs on Friday from 4-6pm and on Sunday from 9-11am in the Ram Truck Freedom Arena. Check it out here
Make sure to swing by the horse sale to see a nice selection of 90 riding horses, broodmares, and yearlings consigned to sell on Saturday. There is even a Zebra in the sale! Check out more information and a list of consigned equines here
If you are looking to purchase some art or just enjoy it don’t miss the annual art show. The art show is open the whole expo and be sure to vote for your favorites! More info here
Interested in learning something new? Check out this list of presenters for this year’s Expo:
- Chris Cox
- Steve Rother
- Larry Whitesell
- Eitan Beth-Halachmy
- Sue Thompson, DVM
- Christy Landwehr
- John Shelle Ph.D.
- Peggy Cummings
- John Bozanich
- Tim Kimura
- Richard Godbee
- Bernie Traurig
- Lynn Palm
- Jim Materson
- Clair Thunes, Ph.D.
- Robert M. Miller DVM
- Bree Krebel
- Shannon Dueck
- Dana Hokana
- Don Gustafson
Like to learn about new breeds? The following breeds are having demonstrations:
- Andalusian
- Arabian
- Kiger Mustang
- Thoroughbred
- Wild Horse BLM
- Highland Pony
- American Miniature
- Friesian
- Rocky Mountain
- American Bashkir Curly
- Peruvian Paso
- Tennessee Walker
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