Souvenir of Michigan Fair

Illustration of a horse and rider on a white background with red text across the top

Equestrian events at the Michigan State Fair are traditions that celebrate the magic and grandeur of horses. The state fair includes competitions in English hunt and saddle seat, Western equitation, pleasure classes, barrel racing, reining, and pulling events. The state fairgrounds became notably popular in the 1930s when horse race gambling was legalized and struggling racehorse Seabiscuit began winning races. Harness racing also became a popular sport at the fairgrounds.