Events

Visiting an Equestrian Fair: Exhibitors, Demonstrations, and Preparation

An equestrian fair can combine shopping, expert knowledge, and captivating demonstrations. Discover what's on offer and how to plan your visit according to your interests.

Equidara editorial team · 6 October 2026 · 4 min read

Exhibitor offerings and demonstrations at an equestrian fair — AI-generated image

At an equestrian fair, you can connect with exhibitors, enjoy captivating demonstrations, and gather valuable insights for horse care and riding. Depending on the event, you might even get to try out products and make purchases on the spot. To help you prepare, it's useful to consider three key areas: products and services, expert knowledge, and horses in the demonstration ring. Keep in mind that not every fair covers all these aspects, and the program varies significantly from one event to another.

What Exhibitors You Can Expect to See

According to Pferdesportverband Hannover, you can expect to find exhibitors showcasing equestrian equipment, stable technology, feed, grooming products, transport solutions, and services for equine businesses. This means the offerings cater not only to riders but also to anyone who owns horses or manages a stable.

Attending a fair can provide you with a comprehensive overview of the latest products, services, and concepts. [Pferdesportverband Hannover] also highlights the opportunity to engage with experts. If you're particularly interested in topics like equine nutrition or stable technology, you can tailor your visit to these specific areas. Similarly, if new tack and equipment are your priority, you'll want to focus on those exhibitors.

Some equestrian fairs feature a dedicated 'startup' or 'innovation' area where new companies showcase groundbreaking products and digital solutions for the equine world.

The Reitsportmesse Gießen indicates that, depending on the fair's program, you can test new products, gather expert insights, and make purchases directly at the venue.

Expert Knowledge for Daily Stable Life and Riding

Beyond the exhibitor booths, an equestrian fair often features a range of educational opportunities. [Pferdesportverband Hannover] suggests that trainers, veterinarians, scientists, and other experts may share their knowledge on topics relevant to daily stable management and competitive riding.

Possible topics include:

Veterinary Medicine
Hoof Health
Dental Care
Nutrition
Animal Welfare
Rider Health and Fitness

Before you go, consider whether you want to focus primarily on horse keeping, training methods, or a specific health topic. This will help you navigate the educational offerings and prioritize what interests you most.

It's important to distinguish between a lecture and a demonstration: a lecture explains a topic in detail, while a demonstration ring allows you to witness a training approach or riding discipline in action with horses. For specific questions regarding your own horse's health, always consult your veterinarian.

What You Might See in the Demonstration Ring

Demonstration rings often feature a diverse array of riding disciplines, training philosophies, and horse breeds. [Pferdesportverband Hannover] also mentions the possibility of themed days, stage performances, and interactive activities, allowing you to experience various facets of equestrianism firsthand.

The Reitsportmesse Gießen indicates that the program might also include presentations of classical dressage training and exciting trick lasso shows.

A dedicated Western riding area often brings together saddlers, Western wear vendors, and thrilling demonstrations. If this discipline piques your interest, you'll find relevant exhibitors and program highlights all in one convenient location.

Tailoring Your Visit to Your Interests

To help you prepare, you can categorize the potential offerings into three main groups:

See and Try: Equestrian gear, grooming products, stable technology, or other items, provided they are offered at the fair and available for testing.
Gain Knowledge: Specialized sessions on training, nutrition, animal welfare, or health.
Experience Demonstrations: Diverse riding disciplines, horse breeds, training methods, and complementary stage shows.

These categories can overlap. For example, a Western riding area might combine exhibitors with demonstrations. If you're exploring a specific expert topic, you might be interested in both the expert knowledge shared and any related product offerings.

If you're attending with children, family-friendly activities might also be available, such as bouncy castles, craft stations, face painting, and hobby-horsing. However, not every equestrian fair offers a children's program.

Animal Contact and Rest for the Horses

Direct contact with ponies or horses is not a given at every fair. The ANIMAL Code of Messe Stuttgart outlines visitor contact under supervision and in a safe environment, and provides designated resting areas for the animals. It also specifies veterinary care throughout the fair, as well as night watches and knowledgeable exhibitors for care outside opening hours. These provisions do not automatically apply to other equestrian fairs.

Switzerland's Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office points out that markets and exhibitions can be stressful for animals. Furthermore, when many animals from different backgrounds come together, the risk of disease transmission increases.

Common questions

Can I try and buy products at an equestrian fair?

Depending on the fair's offerings, product testing and on-site purchases may be possible. This is not true for every fair or every product.

What kind of demonstrations can an equestrian fair offer?

Possible demonstrations include various riding disciplines, training approaches, and horse breeds. Presentations of classical dressage training, trick lasso shows, stage events, and interactive activities can also be part of the program.

Are there activities for children?

Depending on the fair, there may be bouncy castles, craft stations, face painting, and hobby-horsing. However, not every equestrian fair offers a children's program.

Are visitors allowed to have contact with the horses?

This is not generally guaranteed. The ANIMAL Code of Messe Stuttgart describes contact under supervision and in a safe environment, as well as resting areas for the animals. These regulations do not automatically apply to other fairs.

Sources

Written by Equidara editorial team. Last checked: 6 October 2026.