Minnesota Horse Expo moving from State Fairgrounds to Canterbury Park
The annual Minnesota Horse Expo announced it will move to its new home in Canterbury Park for next year's showcase.
The Minnesota Horse Expo has been held for 44 years, most recently hosted at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds Coliseum. Expo officials have announced that the annual showcase will move from its original location to Canterbury Park from April 25 to 27, 2025.
"We are fortunate to have formed this partnership with Canterbury Park," Minnesota Horse Expo President Darrell Mead said. "Canterbury Park is the public face of horse racing in our state. Bringing this industry-wide event to their venue is a natural fit."
Sponsored by the Minnesota Horse Council, the Expo is Minnesota's largest equine trade show and breed exhibition, attracting hundreds of vendors, over 25 equine breeds, and 20,000 visitors.
Canterbury Park, located 20 minutes south of Minneapolis in Shakopee, has hosted live horse racing for 30 years. It accommodates more than 1,000 horses and 250,000 spectators, making it a strong location for the Expo.
"We're excited to bring the Minnesota Horse Expo to Canterbury Park," company president Randy Sampson said. "The Expo showcases the breadth and importance of the equine industry in Minnesota. This industry drives significant state-wide agricultural and economic benefits in our state. We look forward to welcoming horse enthusiasts from all corners of Minnesota to Canterbury Park."
Many horse breeds and associations will be exhibited daily, and speakers, trainers, and clinicians will educate visitors and the public on equitation, horse training, care, and maintenance. Free pony rides will also be available daily.
"Our facility is built for these types of large-scale public shows," Canterbury Director of Entertainment Deb Schaber said. "In addition to our 85,000 square feet of flexible indoor space for vendor exhibits, meeting rooms, and seminars, we are uniquely suited to utilize many of our racing stalls and track surfaces for this event."
