Calendar dates must be circled in red for the EquiFest of Kansas, March 16-19, at Salina.
That’s the announcement from Justine Staten, executive director of the Kansas Horse Council, producer of EquiFest.
The first EquiFest was at Wichita in 1998, then in Topeka starting in 2016, and Salina has hosted EquiFest since 2020.
“This year’s EquiFest is four days instead of three days like in the past,” Staten clarified. “It will again be at the Saline County Livestock Expo Center and Tony’s Pizza Events Center.”
More than 15,000 people have annually attended EquiFest which serves as the Kansas Horse Council (KHC) primary fundraiser.
“The KHC provides the Kansas equine industry with leadership and direction through education, promotion, and public policy advocacy,” Staten said.
“What makes EquiFest so special is the variety,” Staten emphasized. “There’ll be all breeds of horses and all disciplines represented throughout the competitions, demonstrations, and displayed exhibits.”
In addition, EquiFest features educational and informative workshops, world-renowned clinicians, music, poetry, history, and storytelling.
The horse trade show is open all four days featuring wall-to-wall vendors in multiple locations. “They’ll offer something for everyone, clothing, accessories, saddles, tack, home décor, trucks, trailers, tractors, implements and more,” Staten said.
Children are the future of every horse activity, so a special Kids’ Corral is again being developed encouraging youth involvement. A new feature is Trike Races to simulate the EquiFest Driving Derby, which is attracting many entries, Staten said.
The EquiFest youth horse judging contest has been revamped this year with additional divisions to increase participation for impressive awards.
Everybody always asks: “What will there be to eat?” According to Staten, “If you like a variety of food, check out several food trucks and concessions on site. Again, there’s something for all tastes.”
Attendees at EquiFest will also once more have an opportunity to meander through the stall barn. “You can see up close anything from long-eared minis to gentle giants. Living history is on display at a military encampment,” Staten said.
Plus, there’ll be a farrier competition, ranch rodeo, dancing horses, draft horse races, and breakaway roping competition.
Among clinicians are Buster McLaury, Texas cowboy; Curt Pate, Montana stockman; Patrick Sullivan, liberty horsemanship; and Sally Batton, equestrian team coach.
Demonstrations include Broken Spoke Clydesdales, six-horse hitch; Pegasus Riders, trick-roman riding; Wichita Police Mounted Unit, search-rescue operations; and trainer Ryan Cole, versatility horses.
Workshops throughout the four days are to feature agrotourism panel, Kansas horseback trails, extreme cowboy races, and legendary horsemen panel.
Special guests are Kathryn Leitner, horse artist-writer, Gary Pratt, country musician; Caleb Martin, horseman-celebrity actor; and Steve Stafford, Sunday morning church service.
Complete schedule of activities is available at www.equifestofks.com.
CUTLINES
A product of the big ranch country in West Texas, Buster McLaury brings a unique perspective into his clinics and demonstrations at EquiFest of Kansas, March 16-19, at Salina.
To be featured at the EquiFest of Kansas in Salina, March 16-19, Curt Pate, Montana stockman, has conducted demonstrations and clinics on stockmanship, colt starting, and ranch horsemanship throughout North America and Europe.
Justine Staten serves as executive director of the Kansas Horse Council, which is producing the EquiFest of Kansas, March 16-19, in Salina.
