Horse lovers of all ages, don't miss the Equine Affaire – a four-day national exposition and trade show ongoing through Sunday, Nov. 13 at the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds. Admission, $15. Open to the public, the event offers everything from stickhorse rodeos (small fry galloping in hats and boots) to workshops and shopping for gifts, home decor or the barn. Those who long for a horse of their own just may find the breed of their dreams nickering to them inside a pavilion devoted to 40 horse breeds, Morgans and Gypsy cobs to drafts and their people.

For those preparing homes and yards or farms for winter or with other obligations, take heart. Blue Slope Country Museum offers horse-drawn rides and holiday events throughout November and December. The farm museum is located at 138 Blue Hill Road, Franklin, Connecticut. For more information call (860) 642-7084.

John Lyons, a nationally recognized expert in horse behavior and handling, will be on hand during the EA – and educational sessions are included with entry to the event at no additional cost. Other topics include equine law issues to sports and horse training, management and business issues.

Note: According to an economic study done by Deloitte Consulting LLP for the American Horse Council Foundation the “horse industry is a highly-diverse, national, serious and economically significant industry.” The horse industry has a direct economic effect on the U.S. of $39 billion annually; there are 9.2 million horses in the U.S. and 4.6 million people are involved in the industry as horse owners, service providers and employees.

Participants this weekend hail from all 50 states, Canada, South America, Europe, and Asia. Sports include barrel racing, reining, cutting, jumping, driving, eventing, and team penning, distance competition, trail, polo, dressage, and sidesaddle.

Don't miss Padre, an American mustang stallion that was born wild and adopted. Now a celebrity, he has his own Facebook page, and is but one of the famous equines that will meet and greet fans.

The roster of presenters will include Olympians, world and national champions, WEG competitors, popular equestrian TV personalities; authors; course designers; judges; veterinarians; professors, and other top industry professionals.

Of interest to the region is the work of an eight-member task force, co-chaired by Joseph McGee, vice-chairman of the Business Council of Fairfield County, and is charged by Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy with reviewing the preparedness, response and recovery efforts of the state and its partners – including the utilities and municipalities. Their goal is to present to the Governor a set of recommendations on how to improve response to future storms and other natural disasters. Click on the image above of Pinchbeck's Rose Farm in Connecticut to read more.

“You are either part of the solution or part of the problem.” – Eldridge Cleaver (1935 – 1998), American author