RicelandMeadows

April 14, 2025

We just got home from an outstanding horse event called Equine Affair, held in Columbus Ohio. It is a four day giant horse show that includes ALL things horse from feed to tack and equipment. The focus however, is on the many breeds of horses and the disciplines they do.

We of course were there to represent and promote our beloved Suffolk horses. My wife and I are in charge of the promotions for the North American Suffolk Horse Association. We set up a booth for promotions and information. Friends of ours brought their horses and showed them over the course of the event. Many friends helped us in the booth and we are very grateful.

The box stall adjacent to the promotions booth showcased a different Suffolk horse throughout the day. Many people were fascinated by seeing one in person. This was a great outreach for our organization. Our non-profit, Saving Suffolks, provided some funding to help with the costs to make it all happen.

I helped a bit with our friends as they demonstrated their Suffolk horses in several show rings. They drove them in harness hitched to a log cart. They rode one in western pleasure and I showed a young horse “in hand”. She was all braided up in the English style tradition using raffia entwined in her mane with bright blue rosettes standing high on her neck. She was a beautiful young lady!

There were all sorts of things to see. Demonstrations, clinics and equipment displays covered the Expo grounds. During one of these entertainment sessions, a young cowgirl said , “YES!” to her soon to be cowboy husband.

We saw a few old friends of the Suffolk horse, along with owners and breeders. More importantly, we made a bunch of new friends as we shared information and our love for this awesome rare breed of horse. It was a fun event that we plan to attend next year with an even bigger presence!

All this love and they do every kind of horse work, in every discipline. I will be a Suffolk fan and Suffolk man for the rest of my life! It’s a love affair for me.