All things equine are set to take center stage during the Alabama Horse Fair in Montgomery at Garrett Coliseum March 4-5. The annual event is presented by the Alabama Horse Council (AHC) and supported by the Alabama Farmers Federation.

Popular trainer and YouTube sensation Stacy Westfall returns to the Capital City as this year’s main attraction and brings her husband Jesse to introduce the sport of reining to the fair. Joining the Westfalls in the coliseum arena are horsemanship trainer Carson James, gaited horse specialist Michael Gascon and mule trainer Steve Edwards. Cowgirl and Christian music artist Crystal Lyons will perform throughout the weekend and lead Sunday morning’s cowboy church. 

Crowd favorites at Crawford Arena include Saturday’s drill team competition and Sunday’s trail obstacle challenge. 

The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Nate Jaeger said the fair is Alabama’s largest equine educational and instructional event, bringing in thousands of people from across Alabama and surrounding states.

“There really is something for every type of rider and horse enthusiast, from the casual trail rider to the technical trainer,” said Jaeger, the Federation’s Equine Division director. “This family friendly event has a parade of breeds and a ‘Show Me’ barn where children and adults alike can get up close and personal with horses.”

The fair includes riding demonstrations and entertainment, educational workshops for horse owners, drill team and trail obstacle competitions, and the state’s largest horse-related trade show.

Fair proceeds benefit AHC’s scholarship fund for students pursuing equine careers. Undergraduate, graduate and veterinary school students are eligible to apply.

Gates open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Event admission is $15 Saturday and $10 Sunday, with children 6 and under admitted free.

For more information, including a schedule of events, go to alabamahorsecouncil.org.