What to do when You Have One Day at Equine Affaire?| Indianapolis IN Equine Portrait Photographer

Every year I make the trek over to Columbus, Ohio to Equine Affaire and it never disappoints. I love going on Fridays, because the crowds aren’t as big and I can have conversations with the vendors, clinicians, and attendees when things are just ramping up. 

Here is a list of activities  I recommend you do when you have one day at Equine Affaire. 

1.) DRIVE A DRAFT WITH WHISPERY PINES

Sam and Kellie Rettinger are the proud owners of Whispery Pines Percherons, home to eight beautiful black Percheron geldings. Their  focus is to bring their love of horses to the world by enabling people to experience their horses on a personal level. In doing so, we showcase the versatility, grace, and beauty of the Percheron breed. Learn more about Whispery Pines here.

2.) GYPSY VANNER BREED DEMONSTRATION

This is a site to behold! On my way to the barn I ran into the horsewomen that were about to enter the arena for the gypsy vanner demonstration. This is a demonstration of the breed where riders walk, trot, and canter into the arena and the announcer talks about the gypsy vanner breed. Equine Affaire has multiple breeds that they showcase throughout the weekend. Gypsies are one of my favorites! 

I met a unicorn looking gypsy by the name of Boo ( I mean, they all look like unicorns don’t get me wrong.) who was with Grace and Grit Horsemanship LLC. He’s actually for sale if you’re interested. This is another cool thing about Equine Affaire, is that you can buy and adopt horses. For more information about Boo and his trainer, Tiffany Stauffer, you can visit Grace and Grit Horsemanship’s facebook page by going here.

3.) ASPCA RIGHT HORSE ADOPTION BARN

I always get so excited when I see this sign. 🖤

I look forward to this every year at Equine Affaire. There are multiple horse rescues throughout the country that work with the ASPCA My Right Horse. 

Last year they brought 34 adoptable horses and ponies and by the time the event was over, they rehomed all 34 horses, ponies, and donkeys. This just makes my heart burst! I love going into the adoption barn to see if they need any photos and snuggle the horses. 

When I met Salina, (the pony featured below) I thought, “Well I did drive my van and people travel with ponies like this all the time and I’m staying in a pet friendly hotel, so the math is mathing to me!” Needless to say  I did not go home with Salina, but I’m sure she’ll find her right home. 

MEET CLARKE

This year we have a few I’d like to feature here. One of them is Clarke. She’s a 16 year old Rocky Mountain Horse that’s 14hh. Her location is in Kentucky at the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center. 

Clarke is a sweet and friendly mare who has been an invaluable part of the Stable Foundations education program, helping beginners learn the ropes of horse care and handling. Whale she’s companion only, she shines in groundwork and has excellent ground manners, making her a joy to be around. 

If you’re interested in Clarke you can email the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center at info@kyeac.org or call 1-859-881-5849

MEET SALINA

When I spoke with a volunteer from Heart of Phoenix, she said she met Salina for the first time the day prior. She was timid and shy, as to be expected with a new location. When I hopped in the stall with her the day after she arrived, it was like Salina was inviting me to her little party. Everytime I lifted my camera to photograph her, I was met with a pony head in my hands. She was gentle, kind and so so snuggly.

You can find Salina at Heart of Phoenix's website as well as other adoptable horses, ponies, and donkies here.

4.) FREELANCE DESIGN USA WITH JUDY WATSON

Judy's booth is a must visit at Equine Affaire. She features horse artists from all over the US and has one of a kind pieces you can't find anywhere else. Every year I purchase wall art from her by an artist that goes by ALIX.

ABOUT ALIX

Working from her home studio in the remote Lorane River valley of the Pacific Northwest, Award-Winning artist ALIX creates her stunning and unique original artwork depicting horses, wildlife and scenes from her Nez Perce heritage using multiple media on gourds and the unique grain and shapes of burl and slabs from local forests.

You can find Judy at almost every equine event in the country. She mentioned that she does go online around the holiday season when she's done traveling for the year. You can find her and the many artists she features here.

5.) DONKEY EXTRAVAGANZA

For long-ears lovers and enthusiasts, this is THE PLACE for you to see donkeys up close, engage with a variety of organizations focused on donkeys, educational presentations just for long ears, and shop a specialty pavilion featuring retailers from throughout the nation who cater to donkeys and donkey-related products and services.

6.) INTERNATIONAL COLORED APPALOOSA ASSOCIATION, INC FEATURING MHS MINTAKA

I met Mintaka of Orion when I came across the International Colored Appaloosa Association, Inc booth where I met his owner Michelle. They had just put him back in the barn for the night. Usually they'll have a stud or mare in a stall next to the booth that features their breed that way you can see a representative of the breed and even have some ineraction. I shared with Michelle how much I love the appaloosa and about my parents' horse Shiloh. She goes, "Ok, come on! We're going to go see him."

I might have squelled like a little girl, I don't remember, but this is an experience that I will never forget. On the way to the barn, Michelle shares with me about her stallion Mintaka out of Orion. She told me that Mintaka is a star in the constellation of Orion's Belt. How perfect!

We get to the barn and there he is in all his gorgeous glory. Happy to see mom and very observant, I see him sizing me up. To be in the presence of a stallion of a breed that you love and admire is like being in front of a celestial being. Appaloosas are so smart and observant that when you earn their trust you have a partner for life. You can tell that's exactly what Michelle and Mitaka have. A partnership that goes across lifetimes.

MHS Mintaka of Orion is a 2021 stallion standing at Cedar Brook Farms in West Union, Ohio. For more information about stud fees and bookings you can call 1-937-725-5010

That's a wrap for this year's Equine Affaire. What's your favorite part about Equine Affaire? Comment below.

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Bethany Quinn is the photographer behind Bethany Quinn Studios where she helps modern women feel more confident in their own skin through boudoir and equine photography sessions. We encourage you to grab a glass of wine or sparkling cider, hang out for awhile, and check out more that the blog has to offer! 

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