Hold on to your Stetsons, folks, we are in for some good times here in Salina.
This year, Equifest, one of the largest horse events on the equestrian calendar is preparing to celebrate its 25th jubilee. Brimming with excitement, event makers are primed to make this the “biggest and best show ever.”
The highly anticipated event takes place at two venues. Tony’s Pizza Events Center and the Saline County Expo Center will run the event from this Friday through Sunday.
After being hosted four years in Topeka, this favorite festival moved to Salina in 2020. And on this special occasion, a spectacular lineup awaits steed enthusiasts of all ages.
Gambling on horse races in Kansas is legal but it’s online only. There are several sites available in the state which accept bets on the most popular tracks around the globe.
Sprucing up for the 25th anniversary of Equifest
Presented by the Kansas Horse Council, the show will offer a wide variety of equine activities and events. Justin Staten, executive director of the Kansas Horse Council said:
“Equifest has attractions for everybody with horse interests and is enticing for newcomers eager to learn about horses.”
As probably the most popular equine expo in the Midwest, Equifest has all that a horse lover’s heart desires. Guests can be sure to watch breath-taking entertainment and other attractions such as:
- Breed showcases
- Skill demonstrations
- Presentations from world-class clinicians
- Educational workshops
- A variety of shopping and food vendors in four vendor areas
- Live music and entertainment
- And much more!
Regular attendees of Equifest will notice that several changes and improvements to the facilities this year. These are the first in a five-year program of major upgrades geared towards enhancing the visitor’s experience.
An overview of events at Equifest according to location
Great Plains Manufacturing Convention Hall
Located in Tony’s Pizza Events Center (TPEC) and AG Hall Arena.
Inaugurating the event on Friday will be the TravAlum-Liberty, Inc. There will be a genuine Ranch Rodeo with cowboys, cowgirls, and other skilled mounts competing in action-packed events.
Then, at the Stall Barn guests can get real close and personal with the colts and mares. One barn over, and you’ll observe blacksmithing in action during the Kansas Farriers Association Journeyman Competition.
Saline County Expo Center
Kenwood Hall
4H/Better Horses Ponderosa Building
Part of the three-day event will take place in the Saline County Expo Grounds. Two arenas will exhibit over 100 horses displaying an assortment of breeds, disciplines, special demonstrations, and competitions.
In addition, Kenwood Hall will host the Kansas Farm Bureau, Kiddie Corral, and the Live Workshop Demos. Then, on the stage at Kenwood Hall guests can enjoy a live broadcasting of the Better Horses Radio and TV.
Another cool feature that’ll take place in the 4H building will be the Kansas Horse Council Foundation Silent Auction. Attendees who place a bid on the incredible items displayed can contribute to the KHCF Scholarship Fund.
How can I attend Kansas Equifest?
Box office hours are 9 am, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Tickets will be available for purchase only at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center Box Office, starting Mar. 18, 2022. You can also buy tickets throughout the three-day event.
Please note that there will be no advance online tickets sales this year.
Photo Credit: Jeanne Provost / Shutterstock