Free pre-fair horse shows return to the State Fair of Texas
DALLAS – July 18, 2025 – Saddle up, folks! The State Fair of Texas is proud to announce 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, 2025)
• Youth Rodeo (August 16, 2025)
• Barrel Race (August 17, 2025)
• EWD Heroes and Hooves Show (August 23, 2025)
• NMDA/Donkey and Mule Show (August 30-31, 2025)
• AQHA/APHA/NSBA Show (September 6-7, 2025)
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 our website, BigTex.com/Horse. All updates and resources needed will be made available on this webpage, so make sure you bookmark the page.
These events are free and open to the public – grab your partner, kids, or even your neighbors to come out and enjoy some good ol’ fun before the State Fair officially opens. The 2025 State Fair of Texas, themed “Texas Shines Bright,” will run from Friday, September 26, through Sunday, October 19, 2025.
