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.
The fair hosted 400 exhibitors, over 30 clinicians, and more than 30 breed and discipline groups. The PRCA Rodeo sold out both nights. Other entertainment throughout the weekend included the Top Hand Challenge; Celebrity Breakfasts with Amberley Snyder and John Harrison; and the World Championship Blacksmith competition.
New events this year included:
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The Wisconsin FFA State Horse Evaluation Career Development Event;
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The Equine Career Exploration Forum; and
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Rare, Critical, and Threatened Breeds, which highlighted and provided education on these groups.
Equine professionals, including Snyder (barrel racing), Diane Carney (hunter jumper), Cole Cameron (colt starting), and Stephen Hayes (dressage), led demonstrations and clinics. For young attendees, there were 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 returns to the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.
