Heroes, Hooves ready to shine

By Taylor Pulfer

Saddle up, folks! The State Fair of Texas announced the lineup of pre-Fair horse shows leading up to the opening of the 2025 State Fair of Texas. Starting on August 8 and running each weekend prior to the Fair, these family-friendly shows are free to the public and will take place in the air-conditioned Fair Park Coliseum. Horse exhibitors can now sign up to be the first to know when entries open online at BigTex.com/Horse. 

The 2025 pre-Fair horse shows include: 

• RSNC Ranch Sorting (August 8-10) 

• Youth Rodeo (August 16) 

• Barrel Race (August 17) 

• EWD Heroes and Hooves Show (August 23) 

• NMDA/Donkey and Mule Show (August 30-31) 

• AQHA/APHA/NSBA Show (September 6-7) 

Included in the above-listed events, the State Fair is honored to introduce the all-new EWD Heroes and Hooves Show, an all-inclusive horse show created for veterans and equestrians with disabilities. 

This special event provides a meaningful opportunity for participants to experience the power of teamwork, trust and healing through horsemanship. For many riders with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges, traditional sports aren’t always accessible, but in the saddle, they find strength, freedom and confidence. In addition, we are proud to announce the return of the AQHA/APHA/NSBA Show. The American Quarter Horse is legendary in the Lone Star State, and the Fair is excited to reintroduce this show to the annual lineup.  

The entry process for horse exhibitors is now available on the website, BigTex.com/Horse. All updates and resources needed will be made available on this webpage, so vistors should make sure to bookmark the page.  

These events are free and open to the public. The 2025 State Fair of Texas, themed “Texas Shines Bright,” will run from Friday, September 26, through Sunday, October 19.   

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