What started out as an idea for a few horse owners to swap used tack has evolved into one of the largest one-day tack shows in the area.
In fact, the Centre Wellington Equine Trade Show, Tack Swap and Seminars, now in its fifth year, is about a lot more than just saddles, bridles and reins.
“It turned into more of a trade show than a tack swap,” said show organizer Wayne Billings.
He noted show wares can range from apparel to fences, barns and enclosures, among other items – and the show also has vendors offering helpful information such as equine first aid.
“It kind of covers all aspects about horses,” said Billings.
This year’s show, scheduled for April 28 at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex in Fergus, also offers seminars to those interested in attending.
Billings said he is hoping to add one or two more, but so far the show has scheduled two seminars by Lindsay Grice:
– “Is it me or my horse?” at 11am, which covers horse psychology for riders; and
– “The science of bits, spurs and martingales” at 1pm, which provides insight into the science and research about bits and artificial aids and how to use and choose them.
Overall, Billings said he expects this weekend’s show will include about 100 vendors and welcome upwards of 1,000 visitors.
“It’s really grown,” said Billings, noting the show started with 35 vendors in its first year. That total expanded to 60, then to 100 within three years.
Admission to the show is just $2, including all seminars.
This year, as an added bonus, a portion of the proceeds from the show will go to the Fergus and District Kinsmen Club, which will have volunteers helping at the event.
The event also indirectly benefits Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre in Puslinch as well as the annual Trail Ride For Breast Cancer near Mansfield, through the donation of booths at the Fergus trade show.
The 2013 Centre Wellington Equine Trade Show, Tack Swap and Seminars runs from 9am to 3pm on April 28 at the Fergus Sportsplex (550 Belsyde Avenue).
For more information call 519-994-3412, email info@cwequinetradeshow.com or visit www.cwequinetradeshow.com.
Show history
In January of 2009, Billings, a friend and a few supporters felt the need for an opportunity for horse enthusiasts in Wellington, Waterloo and Dufferin counties to sell, swap or buy used tack.
The hall was booked at the Sportsplex in Fergus, the website was developed and advertising began to attract vendors. Registrations were slow with the date approaching and organizers began to worry about disappointing both vendors and visitors.
“We then approached many horse-related businesses to sell or promote their business,” said Billings. “That was the turn the show needed to succeed.”
The first event was completely booked, with 35 vendors and 250 people attending. Billings said the feedback from the vendors and attendees “was very positive and hope was that the event would become an annual event.”
While planning the 2010 show it soon became apparent the hall used in 2009 was not large enough to handle the bookings. So organizers booked the arena floor and the hall was used to offer 10 seminars. Attendance for the 2010 show surpassed the 500 mark.
Before the date and registration was released for the 2011 show, organizers already received emails and phone calls inquiring about it. All 96 vending spots were completely booked by the event. The advertising budget was increased and Grand River Raceway sponsored radio advertising on local radio stations. The attendance was just shy of 1,000 people and seminars were well attended.
The 2012 show was another success, with all spaces booked plus additional spaces in the hall. New sponsors provide more advertising to promote the show.
– With files from
cwequinetradeshow.com.
