Columbus, OH — The 26th annual Ohio Equine Affaire was held at the Columbus Expo Center at the State Fairgrounds from April 11-14 and the crowds came out in droves to take in all the sights. There were examples of every type of breed of horse you could imagine and the Standardbred was well-represented by the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, United States Trotting Association, and New Vocations for the four-day event.

Along with a trunkful of mix and match (imitation) bones of the horse, there was an interactive display of the various types of bandages and boots that let kids get a hand-on experience.

The most well-received and crowd-pleasing display was the virtual reality headset that let folks experience what it feels like to drive a horse in a 1:55 race. OHHA photo.

The many colors worn by the drivers welcomed visitors to the OHHA booth as informative magazines and brochures were offered and numerous questions answered. New Vocations brought in several of their horses “in transition” and introduced countless people to the intelligence, the even-temperament, and the versatility of the Standardbred as each group put their best four feet forward in the show arena as well.

Harness Horse Youth Foundation displayed one of their Trottingbreds (part Standardbred, part pony) that they use for their Summer Youth Camp as everyone cooed over the “cute little colt.”

“He’s 14,” we informed them with a wide grin.

People got to use their creativity as “The Name Game” challenged them to make up a catchy name for the Fantasy Stable Farm’s unnamed colt. We are still in the process of declaring the winner as they are being narrowed down to the final five.

The most well-received and crowd-pleasing display was the virtual reality headset that let folks experience what it feels like to drive a horse in a 1:55 race.

As they climbed aboard an actual sulky, took the lines, put their feet in the stirrups (some kids even donned a set of colors) and the goggles were placed on their head, it was Roger Huston’s stirring calls echoing from the headset while they had a full 360-degree view right from the middle of the race.

“People have been talking about this,” said several fellow exhibitors as they climbed into the bike to give it a go. The smiles and positive comments made many a new friend to our sport.