With liberty and air vests for all. Photo by Lindsey Kahn
To anyone visiting the Texas Rose Horse Park during the 2014 Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships, do not — I repeat, DO NOT — miss the trade fair in the large indoor arena. From big-name EN sponsors to independent or family-owned vendors, this year’s trade fair hosts a variety of shopping options for you to ogle, fondle, drool over, try on and take home with you after the show.
I am spending much of my time in the trade fair impulse buying working at the Smart Tie booth, so allow me to take you on a multi-part tour of the many companies and products gathered at the AECs!
Performance-based nutrition from Nutrena. Photo by Lindsey Kahn.
Many of Eventing Nation’s sponsors are at the AECs in full force, and Nutrena is one of the first vendors you see when you walk in the Trade Fair. Featuring balanced feeds to help your horse achieve peak performance, Nutrena is the big cheese when it comes to fueling your horse. In addition to showing off Pro Force, their new line of high-performance feeds, they have the world’s most adorable whippets, Skyy (yes, as in the vodka) and Focus.
Dubarry girls in the house! Photo by Lindsey Kahn.
Of course, the Dubarry booth is always one of my favorites at shows and trade fairs. The lovely Dubarry spokespeople are more than happy to demonstrate the hardy, stylish and waterproof qualities of their top-of-the-line boots. Keep your eyes peeled for new fall and winter fashions — the jacket on the upper left of the photo has my eye!
Supplements for your horse, by Omega Alpha. Photo by Lindsey Kahn.
Our friends at Omega Alpha asked not to be included in my photo (they’re a little shy!), but are happy to tell you about the many benefits of their natural supplements. From respiratory health to digestive aids, Omega Alpha carries a full stock of formulas to help your horse be the healthy, happy athlete that you want him to be.
Point Two has your back — in many colors! Photo by Lindsey Kahn.
And then, there are the functional (and fun!) air vests at Point Two. I love the different vest styles and color selections! When it comes to high-tech safety, Point Two has your back. I’m having Wayne’s World moments whenever I see the vest in front:
Can I have an entire bed made of these, please? Photo by Lindsey Kahn
Ahhh, Fleeceworks. From the Therawool half-pads to full-out Merino sheepskin that you can shim to create the perfect fit for your horse, Fleeceworks has everything you need to a) help relieve your horse’s back from painful pressure points, and b) go like this:
As you can see, they have a great selection of products here at the AECs. I found a sheepskin riser pad on clearance for — get this — $20, and yes, I am using it to pad my chair in my booth. Who says they’re just for horses?
Professional’s Choice saddle pads. Photo by Lindsey Kahn
Of course, you need something to go under your fluffy-unicorn Fleeceworks pad; fortunately, Professional’s Choice is here with their line of high-quality sport boots, saddle pads, protective gear, and other high-tech products for horse and rider. Their vendor booth is located outside, so be sure to show them some Texas-sized love while the hot sun is beating down!
I was also able to track done some FLAIR Nasal Strips and Ovation products at the Trade Fair, and you can win a FLAIR strip by entering EN’s Show Your Insanity Contest. Basically, our sponsors have it all covered!
Stay tuned for Part 3 of our trade fair tour: Safety and Style.
