For the past 20 years, Equine Affaire has taken place at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield MA, and I was lucky enough to attend in 2018 as part of the Trade Show Team with SmartPak. As a horse lover that was born and raised in Massachusetts, I am a bit ashamed to admit that this was my first time attending, as I realize now I have been missing out on educational presentations, clinics instructed by world renowned trainers and instructors including our own Sponsored Rider, Clinton Anderson and so many deals from vendors throughout the trade show!

Throughout the two days of set up the excitement built up as more vendors came in to get their booths ready for the massive crowds coming in during the next few days. By the end of the day on Wednesday, our booth completely came together from the massive wall of Piper Breeches to across the booth towards the colorful arrangement of SmartPak Saddle Pads and Slow Feed Hay Bags. The SmartPak supplement and raffle table was perfectly centered in the front of the booth with our friends from HayGain to the side, showcasing the Half Bale Hay Steamer that they were raffling off!

When chatting with Trade Show Team members that had attended Equine Affaire in the past, they all mentioned the same characteristic about this particular show, saying that it was very busy at all times, and they were absolutely right! Equine Affaire Massachusetts 2018 kicked off on Thursday and as soon as the gates were open, people were pouring through the doors to see the exciting items and deals each vendor had to offer. From horse lovers looking for the perfect holiday gift at an unbelievable price, to those looking to get something special for themselves, they could find what they are looking for at Equine Affaire.

During Equine Affaire this year I was thrilled to be a part of SmartPak’s first ever Clearance Event at a Trade Show! We were able to delight the crowds with incredible savings on some of our most popular products, such as Piper and Hadley Breeches, SmartPak Saddle Pads, Sunshield Shirts and bags of Guilt-Free SmartCookies for the special horses in their lives!

It was truly a blast being able to interact with the crowds of people that come to Equine Affaire. I was amazed at the fact that Equine Affaire is the heart of so many traditions for so many people; I met one group of barnmates that have been coming to shop and learn at this Equine Affaire for the past 15 consecutive years! It was so fun getting to hear everyone’s stories while helping them find their perfect pair of Pipers for an absolute bargain!

I couldn’t believe how quickly the time spent at Equine Affaire went by! In a blink of an eye it was Sunday afternoon and the last-minute shoppers were scoping out final-hour deals. Since our Clearance Event was so popular, packing what little we had left was a breeze. It was a busy week but I was lucky enough to be surrounded with the incredibly supportive and fun SmartPak Trade Show Team and I am already looking forward to Equine Affaire Massachusetts 2019!