On Saturday, March 4, horsemen are in for a real treat. The Paddock Foundation will be hosting an old fashioned horse fair in the saddling paddock area of Sam Houston Race Park from 10am – 1:00pm with horses available for viewing beginning at 11am. Admission is free and concessions will be available in the grandstand.
The horse fair showcases Thoroughbreds that are finished with their racing career and ready to start a new career. This is not an auction. Potential buyers are able to view horses, talk with their handlers and negotiate a purchase.
Shopping for a new horse has never been easier or more fun. Horses are brought up to the paddock area at the track so prospective buyers can see lots of horses in one place at one time. It is a great opportunity for professional trainers looking for young prospects to develop.
Horsemen of all disciplines should be able to find a good prospect at the event. Many people don’t realize how versatile Thoroughbreds can be. They can make excellent barrel horses, be taught to work cattle, become polo ponies, participate in dressage, jumping, or trail riding, Thoroughbreds can do it all.
Along with horses, there will be a trade fair featuring clothing, tack, equine art, grooming products, information on racehorse re-homing groups, and more – everything a horse lover might want.
Paddock Foundation president Hal Wiggins has been instrumental in developing the horse fair. “Helping Thoroughbreds on to their next career is the mission of The Paddock Foundation,” said Wiggins.
Tracy Sheffield, the Roses to Ribbons coordinator for The Paddock Foundation, echoes Wiggins’ enthusiasm. “At the Lone Star Park event last July, eighteen horses were brought to the paddock to be shown to prospective buyers and at least three-fourths of them sold. They were sold for a variety of future careers including hunters, riding horses, polo and three day eventing.”
The Paddock Foundation sponsors Roses to Ribbons Old Fashioned Horse Fairs at each of the three Class 1 racetracks in Texas, shortly before the conclusion of the Thoroughbred race meet.
For more information on booth space or the event itself, please contact Tracy Sheffield at (512) 395-5314.