Equine Competition Added to Michigan State Fair

Equine competition will be part of the lineup at the Michigan State Fair in 2015. (Photo via Facebook)

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Visitors to the Fifth Third Bank Michigan State Fair will find expanded equine offerings in 2015.

Two new large outdoor arenas will accommodate new horse riding and pulling competitions over Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 4-7. The fairgrounds is located to the west of the Suburban Collection Showplace at 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, the Observer & Eccentric reports.

State Fair Executive Director Steve Masters said the addition of equine competition is “the next logical evolution in our growth, ... driven by exhibitors who wish to compete and show during the fair.”

The equine competition showcases another Michigan agricultural and livestock tradition.

“We anticipate great interest in the new horse program, based on the deep history and enormous popularity of equine programs at the original Michigan State Fair, so we are mindful of creating a great environment to showcase Michigan’s finest horses and riders,” Masters said.

Experienced horsewoman Sara Ressler has been hired as equestrian superintendent. Her background includes competition horse shows in Michigan and across the country at both the youth and adult levels.

Ressler’s business, Show Office Services, provides secretarial and office staff at breed and open horse shows throughout the eastern United States, and she has extensive horse industry affiliations.

“Sara has the skills and extensive network in the equestrian community that make her an ideal person to organize and lead this new equine expansion,” said State Fair Livestock Co-Superintendent and Oakland County Fair General Manager L.C. Scramlin.

Leaders of equine breed associations and other riding and training organizations are invited to a meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at the Suburban Collection Showplace to discuss the equine program. To register or for more information, contact Ressler at Equestrian@MichiganStateFairLLC.com.