Auburn, January 16, 2003 --- The Alabama Horse Fair returns this month with an exciting program. Nationally known horse trainers and equine entertainers will be featured at the fair slated for January 25-26 at Montgomery’s Garrett Coliseum.

Daytime activities will include a number of seminars and clinics from highly acclaimed trainers and riders. Monty Roberts, internationally acclaimed horse trainer and author of "The Man Who Listens to Horses’" will demonstrate effective horse-human communication techniques.

Cary Hardimon will conduct clinics for gaited horse riders and trail riders, and Emory Combs will conduct a driving clinic for two-hitch and four-hitch teams. Riders will be able to observe the clinics, but there will also be the opportunity to participate with their horses. To reserve a riding spot, e-mail Rhonda Johnson-Bowles at JohnsonBowles@aol.com.

"It's tremendously exciting that so many topnotch trainers and riders will be a part of the Horse Fair," says Dr. Cindy McCall, a horse specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. "It's a marvelous opportunity for young people, in particular, to learn from the best."

Visitors can see over 40 breeds of horses in the Breed Barn. Educational lectures about a variety of horse care, management and training topics will be held both days. Horse supply, equipment and service vendors will also be on hand.

Daily admission is $5 per person with free admission to children under 5.

On Saturday night, "Thundering Hooves Spectacular - Horses Across America," will delight the audience. It is a special two-hour performance that includes draft team hitches, drill teams, trick horses and other equine specialty events. Admission for this event is $10.

The Alabama Horse Council, a proactive organization dedicated to impartially representing the entire horse industry in Alabama, hosts the Alabama Horse Fair. For more information on the fair, contact the Alabama Horse Council Secretary, Charlotte Collins, at (205) 678-2882 or e-mail trailride77@aol.com, or contact McCall at (334) 844-1556 or e-mail cmccall@aces.edu.