Learn About Horses, Alpacas during Shows at the New York State Fairgrounds

This news comes from the state Department of Agriculture and Markets:


Shows for horses and alpacas will be at the New York State Fairgrounds this weekend.

The Empire State Arabian Spring Horse Show will be at the Toyota Coliseum beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday (May 3, 4 and 5). The event will feature All-Arabian and Half-Arabian horses from throughout the United States and Canada for a three-day dressage event. Admission is free.

In the 4-H Arena, the Pinto Horse Association of New York Spring Fling All-Pinto Horse Show will take place beginning at 7:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Attendees will be able to see the horses, with their distinctive coats of two-toned large patches, as they take part in events designed to test the horse and rider’s control, showmanship and riding ability. Admission is free.

The Northeast Alpaca Expo will feature hundreds of alpacas, which will be judged on the quality of their thick coats.  The show begins at 8 a.m. Saturday in the Exhibit Center. Alpacas are domesticated members of the camel family that are raised for their hair, with their fiber used in all kinds of clothing and bedding products. Organizers plan to use a small camera to show and listen to judges as they discuss the qualities of each entrant.  Seminars on a variety of alpaca-related issues are also scheduled. The show is free.