Thinking about attending. What was your experience like? Advice on places to stay, what to see while at the event? Let’s hear it!
I have been twice, once a while back when it was at the fairgrounds/expo center, and once last year when it was at Murrieta. It’s fun, and there are always great clinicians to watch. The shopping is fun and you can get some good deals and freebies. A lot of it seemed more Western-focused, which I guess makes sense given that it’s the “Western” states expo. I stayed in a cheap motel that was maybe a little bit in a sketchy part of town, but it was clean and safe, and I would go back!
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@applelover, thanks for the information! I’m going. How big a crowd should I expect? Did you attend on Friday as well as the weekend?
when it gets closer to the event, check their website. They will post all the clinicians who will be giving talks/demos. They will post the schedule of the various demonstrations and you can then decide how many days you want to attend. Normally I just go for one ot two, but last year Steffan Peters was there doing both lessons and a couple small group discussions. I went all three days last year just for that.
Shopping is heavily weighted towards western recently, but in the past (think 15 years ago) there used to be a decent number of english vendors. I am hoping they will start coming back.
Word of advice, if you go for shopping, do not wait until Sunday thinking you will get a better deal. Some of the vendors left early last year. I bought a bridle from one, and went back on Sunday to buy reins but she wasn’t there…
Best way to do the expo is to print out the exhibition schedule and highlight what you want to see and what location it is in. Then you can plan your day around seeing the exhibitions and shopping in between. Some of the locations are a bit of a walk from one to another, so allow time for that.
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Great advice! Thanks for all the tips.
Last year, it was busy, but not overwhelmingly crowded. I agree with arabiansrock to not wait if you find something you like, as a lot of stuff was gone by Sunday! I have only gone Sat-Sun since I usually have to work on Friday.
