Equine Affaire, the nation's most comprehensive equine and equestrian gathering, returns to the Ohio Expo Center April 2-5. The event, which is now in its 16th year in Ohio, features tens of thousands of visitors and represents all breeds of horses and equestrian disciplines.

Columbus is one of only three Equine Affaire locations. The other two are West Springfield, Mass. and Pomona, Calif.

The event includes an education-oriented expo with more than 230 different clinics, seminars and demonstrations throughout the four days. The educational program is complemented by the largest horse-related trade show in the country.

More than 450 exhibitors participate in the trade show. The event also features Youth and Breed Pavilions and provides a non-competitive venue for networking.

Additionally, two new events will be introduced this year: Canine Affaire and Equine Affaire Youth & Collegiate Horse Judging Contest.

Dogs take over the spotlight Friday and Saturday at the premiere Canine Affaire. It will feature a program of clinics and demonstrations of popular canine disciplines such as obedience, agility, conformation and grooming. There will also be a trade show specializing in canine-related products.

At the Youth & Collegiate Horse Judging Contest, which is Thursday at Cooper Arena and the Rhodes Center, individual and youth teams will compete for top awards.

For more information, visit www.equineaffaire.com.