So far, there hasn’t been an official horse day at the New York State Fair, but the graceful, four-legged beauties are ever-present as participants in the International Horse Show with various events scheduled daily in the Coliseum. They no doubt rival cows as fans favorites when it comes to livestock.

Although hundreds of horses make Fair appearances, it can be difficult to get a close-up visit with horses on the grounds. Like many equine fans, State Fair Hound always tries to get into the main horse barn, but it’s usually closed to the general public, we’re told due to liability concerns.

One effective workaround on this restriction is to make a trip to the 4-H stables and show rings at the western end of the grounds. There seems to be a less restricted, more visitor-friendly vibe there, so horse fans can get some good photos and an occasional pat on the neck as a reward for making the trek.

The youthful riders bring great enthusiasm and commitment to their competition, so the 4-H area is an all-around positive experience. Visitors can view events from ringside bleachers or stroll the grounds and stables to get their horse-viewing fix. Mini horses are irresistibly adorable, their appearance schedule listed on the Fair’s livestock exhibition page.

The covered exercise ring next to the Coliseum and the corral just west of the horse barn also provide close-up views  as the horses are led in from nearby stalls, allowing the equine paparazzi some access.

Arriving early on any day of the Fair will offer opportunities to observe ranchers and handlers walking their steeds around the grounds, bathing them at one of the specially-designed pads or exercising them in the cool of the morning.

New this year, horse enthusiasts will have a chance to learn about the lives and needs of horses at the  World of Horses exhibit presented in cooperation with SaddleUpNY. World of Horses will provide training and education on everything from how to keep a horse as a pet, to the knowledge needed for competitions, to what it looks like for horses to engage in police work as well as next career options for retired race horses.  Additionally, the exhibit features information on how to get involved with horses including options for college degrees, career fields, and riding programs.

World of Horses takes place in the barn along Sioux Avenue near Gate 4 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily, and from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Labor Day with clinics, demonstrations and meet the horse sessions scheduled regularly.

The International Horse Show includes many thrilling events, so be sure to check the Fair schedule and pull up a bleacher seat in the Coliseum for one or two.

Agriculture Career Day on Thursday will promote the pursuit of farming careers to young people at the New York State Fair. At the same time, everyone touring the grounds is likely to appreciate the many livestock meet-and-greets more than usual this year after several species were no-shows last Fair, while others made limited appearances.

Al of the traditional animals will be in their stalls and it will be great to see the return of sheep to a temporary shelter west of the Expo center. The conspicuous absence of the curly-headed ones was another casualty of the scaled-down 2021 Fair.

The short-sided enclosures used for sheep make them accessible to cautious petting and they are reputed to be gentle and friendly. The accommodations in their tent near the FFA Building may be different from their now-demolished barn, but it would seem that a common area will be used for judging in various categories and they usually supply bleachers for spectators, so stop by.

A cacophony of clucks, crows, quacks and squawks make the poultry barn the noisiest building at the New York State Fair. Most chickens, turkeys and pigeons are caged, but a small pond right in the center of the floor provides a lighthearted look a some aquatic fowl.

There’s also the quieter side, where the rabbits and cavies–also known as guinea pigs–sit huddled in their cages. The diminutive critters don’t seem to be having a great time, stuck in small cages in a strange environment, but people enjoy them anyway. The furry ones come in amazing variety of colors and shapes to fascinate visitors and delight the kids.

Sometimes they’re plucked from their confinement for a little maintenance or veterinary care, allowing those touring the barn to become spectators to the process. Stop by for a visit, but be careful about petting–they can bite.

Goats are also back on the bill after an abbreviated appearance over the final weekend last year. They’re curious and visible, stretching to peek above their stall fencing. Photographers will find the back end of the barn, nearest the Expo Center, better for shooting with brighter lighting, less intrusive enclosures and multi-goat areas offering good opportunities for getting nice pictures.

The goat milking parlor, close to the western entrance is often active with young handlers hooking up the animals to milking machinery.

After the llamas’ depart the Fair on Saturday, the pens in the eastern half of the barn the currently share with goats will be utilized to accommodate pigs. 

That’s a big change for visitors as the woolly, mountain-dwelling llamas are popular for their exotic appearance and haughty image. But the hogs are not to be outdone, especially considering the squeal appeal of litters of piglets that always draws a crowd.

The little guys are adorable, whether scurrying around the pens, playing, snoozing or nursing. There always seems to be a crowd watching with delight. They’re particularly popular with kids, who can peer between the bars to get an eye-level, close-up look at the cute, chubby babies. Pigs will be around for the rest of the Fair, starting Sunday.

It’s always been the unspoken paradox at the New York State Fair–families delight in touring livestock barns where they love to get close to cattle, goats, sheep, chickens and all of the other farm-raised animals brought in every year by New York farmers. Everyone loves seeing all of the fascinating and often lovable critters.

Minutes later, those same patrons belly up to the counter of a food stand to order up meals featuring meat from some of the same breeds of animals they just encountered alive in barn stalls. They probably don’t think about the process by which the animals go from cute and adorable to juicy and delicious.

But they should think about it because ultimately consumer demand determines how farm animals are raised and treated.

The day will also be recognized more generally as Youth Day with young folks age 18-and-under admitted free.