Equine Affaire 2025: A Celebration of Horses, Horsemanship, and Community
From clinics to Fantasia®, the Eastern States Exposition of Equine Affaire 2025 showcased the very best of the equine world in one unforgettable weekend.
Equine Affaire once again lived up to its reputation as one of the premier equestrian experiences in the country. The 2025 event, held November 6–9 in West Springfield, Massachusetts, transformed the Eastern States Exposition into a true “Equine Exposition and Equestrian Gathering,” bringing to life its mission of offering “Everything for Horses and Horse Lovers.”
Tens of thousands of enthusiastic attendees filled the grounds over four action-packed days. The event featured live demonstrations, world-class clinicians, breed showcases, hands-on educational sessions, and an enormous trade fair offering products for every facet of equestrian life. Six adjoining buildings bustled with activity—vendor booths, stabling areas, exhibition rings, educational displays, food stands, and plenty of opportunities to meet horses and the people who train, care for, and champion them.
A major highlight, as always, was the Fantasia® evening performance, sponsored by Dr. Grant Myhre of the Rochester Equine Clinic. This annual musical celebration of the horse changes each year, bringing together an eclectic lineup of performers, disciplines, and breeds. Held nightly in the Coliseum’s US Equestrian Arena, Fantasia® delivered its signature blend of artistry and adrenaline: bridleless liberty work, jousting, Roman and trick riding, high-energy drill team routines, and more—all choreographed to music and designed to showcase the beauty, athleticism, and spirit of the horse. There was truly something for everyone.
Clinicians and Performers
Ken McNabb
Ken McNabb. Photo by GBeroza.
A lifelong cowboy from Lovell, Wyoming, Ken McNabb is a familiar and respected name in western horsemanship. Throughout the event, he offered in-depth clinics on cattle work, cutting, roping, and fundamental horsemanship techniques. McNabb also spent hours engaging directly with visitors at his booth, answering questions and sharing practical advice rooted in decades of ranching and riding experience.
Ken McNabb. Photo by GBeroza.
Luke and Kaylee Gingerich
Luke & Kaylee Gingerich. Photo by GBeroza.
Known for their dynamic liberty and bridleless horsemanship, Luke and Kaylee Gingerich captivated audiences with demonstrations focused on connection, communication, and groundwork as a foundation for all disciplines. Luke, who trains and competes in reining, ranch versatility, and western dressage, shared insights into building trust and responsiveness at liberty. Their Mustang, Zara, charmed audiences with a moving freestyle performance during Fantasia®.
Luke & Kaylee Gingerich. Photo by GBeroza.
Kellie and Sam Rettinger – Whispery Pines Percherons
The Rettingers brought both power and elegance to the event with their Percherons from Whispery Pines Percherons in Kingsville, Ohio. Their popular “Drive-A-Draft” experience gave attendees the rare opportunity to learn how to safely drive a draft horse under expert guidance. They also delivered a memorable Fantasia® performance—a dramatic “Dueling Gladiator Chariots” routine that wowed the crowd.
Kellie & Sam Rettinger. Photo by GBeroza.
Inside the 2025 Fantasia® Performance
This year’s show opened with a thrilling combined performance by the Canadian Cowgirls Drill Team and Liberty Cunningham, who returned later in the evening for additional trick and Roman riding acts. Tribe Ermes demonstrated both mounted and unmounted jousting techniques, while mother–daughter duo Jane Karol and Hope Cooper delivered a beautifully synchronized dressage routine titled Pink Ponies.
With so many talented acts, it was impossible to list them all—but each brought something unique and unforgettable to the celebration.
Canadian Drill Team. Photo by GBeroza.
Liberty Cunningham. Photo by GBeroza.
Tribe Ermes jousting. Photo by GBeroza.
Paired Dressage. Photo by GBeroza.
HorseDoc® Coverage
HorseDoc® attended numerous demonstrations, interviewed several clinicians, and compiled an informative and entertaining 8-minute YouTube recap on his “Talking Horses”® channel. The video offers additional insights and live footage from the event and is well worth watching:
Looking Ahead
Equine Affaire will return in 2026 with two major productions:
- Columbus, Ohio: April 9–12
- West Springfield, Massachusetts: November 12–15
For full details about upcoming events, Fantasia®, and program updates, visit: www.equineaffaire.com
Dr. Gregory A. Beroza, DVM, DACVS, DABVP has been a practicing veterinarian and consultant for 42 years; and HorseDoc® ‘Talking Horses’® media host, author, and consultant since 2007. Dr. Beroza is a multimedia host and broadcasts his productions, including a new Podcast, via his WuzUpDoc Media website: www.WuzUpDoc.com. He can be found on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and other social media sources.
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