SoCal to host Horse Expo

By Paula Parisi October 20, 2011

Miki Cohen, the force behind the Western States Horse Expo in Sacramento, is launching Horse Expo Pomona, February 2-4, 2012 at Fairplex in Pomona, California.

The event fills the void left by Equine Affaire. In June the Massachusetts-based firm behind that expo announced it was cancelling the event, which had been held at the Fairplex each February since 2001.

“The stars have really aligned on this one,” Cohen says. “We always wanted to add a second location in Southern California to complement our flagship Sacramento event. When Fairplex called us, we immediately said ‘yes’! We are there! When we told our vendors and presenting partners, they immediately ‘got it.’”

The WSHE has long been known for its rich educational offerings, shop-a-holic worthy offerings and exciting special events. The new Pomona event promises to be even more exciting.

Cohen, a former endurance racer who includes a buckle from the 100-mile Tevis Cup ride among her achievements, is a high-energy force to be reckoned with once she sets her mind to something.  When she says she’s “beyond invigorated” at the prospect of expanding her show portfolio to include a Southern California event, it is cause to stand up and take notice.

“We are working on the program now, and this one is going to knock it out of the park!” she noted. Through a combination of flagship features (the Magnificent 7 cow-horse competition, a live auction, breed showcases) and a complimentary menu of rotating features to keep things fresh, Cohen has managed to turn that June event – now in its 13th year – into a destination for equine enthusiasts throughout the state, and to some extent, the nation.

Shopping is, of course, an integral part of the mix. Cohen takes pride in presenting what amounts to B-to-B retail opportunities, with experts on hand to talk to well-informed buyers. Automotive – trailers and vehicles – has been a huge category for the WSHE, and it’s usually the corporate entities on hand to share their knowledge and products. A Sports Car Club of America road racer, Cohen laughs as she recounts the lecture she gave one Detroit spokesman: “These women, with pony pails hanging off baseball bats out the back of their trucks, they know what tork is, they know what a tow rating is, they know horsepower, and if you talk to them like they don’t, you’re going to lose ’em real fast!”

No surprise she says “cars and horses have been my passion my whole life.” Now she has two events that combine both! It’s been a winning match. Three major automotive firms have already signed on for the Pomona show. “It’s great, because you go and look at the products and talk to people who know their stuff, with zero pressure to buy.”

Clinics are also an important part of the Horse Expo mix, and Cohen vows there will be no repeat bookings between Sacramento and Pomona. Onboard for the Pomona show are Pat and Linda Parelli of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Richard Winters, Kerry Kuhn, trail riding specialist Bonnie Davis, nutritionist Dr. Claire Thunes and many more (details are available on the website).

There will be Young Rider Park for kids, “for the itty bittys to get acquainted with horses,” with Pony Club and 4-H Club participation. “The kids will have hands-on sessions with the clinicians. Not one on one per se, but anywhere from 10 to 16 to one.”

Cohen is jazzed about the covered arenas, and also the abundance of barn space – 400 permanent stalls. “The breeds will be on display at the barns that face the arenas. The Fairplex is huge and has a great layout, all of which we plan to maximize.”

Though the Pomona Horse Expo won’t recreate the WSHE’s auction or Magnificent 7 cow horse events, Cohen says the plan is to develop franchises that are unique to Southern California.

“Saturday night we’ll feature Project Cowboy. About 300 men will enter, go through screen testing and show with their horses. It’s from the women who do the ‘Extreme Mustang Makeover,’ and it’s only been held one other time, in Texas, so this will be the first time out of state.” A “Project Cowgirl” show will tape at the WSHE in 2012.

“It’s very exciting!,” says Cohen, who has already booked Fairplex space for the Pomona Horse Expo 2013: Jan. 31 – Feb. 2. Save the date!

For information, vendor applications and tickets, visit horseexpoevents.com or call 800-352-2411.

 

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