Horse Fair Features Nationally Recognized Horsemen

Nationally known horse trainers and equine entertainers will be featured at the Alabama Horse Fair Jan. 26-27, 2002, at Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery.

Daytime activities will include a number of seminars and clinics from highly acclaimed trainers and riders. Curt Pate, nationally known horse trainer and technical adviser to the movie, "The Horse Whisperer," will conduct a ranch cow-horse clinic. Mitzi Summers, Level IV Centered Riding instructor, will teach riders to achieve greater harmony with their horses through control of their own body.

Gigi Nutter, accomplished dressage rider, instructor and a U.S. Dressage Federation Gold Medalist, will teach a clinic for all levels of dressage riders. Bill Springer, American Quarter Horse Association World Show judge, will teach hunt seat riders, western pleasure riders and halter horse competitors what the judge is looking for in these events.

Barrel racers as well as roping and reining enthusiasts will have the chance to learn new skills and tips from some of the best in their respective events.

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 or phone at 205-629-0277.

"I think it's tremendously exciting that so many top-notch trainers and riders will be a part of the Horse Fair," says Dr. Cindy McCall, Extension horse specialist. "It's a marvelous opportunity for young people, in particular, to learn from the best."

Saturday evening entertainment is "The Horse Spectacular," a special two-hour performance that includes the Tommy Lucia Review. Other performances include draft team hitches, the nationally known Positively Pasos Drill Team, cowboy poetry and songs, and a grand prix dressage demonstration.

Visitors can view top stallions of all breeds at Stallion Row and see over 40 breeds of horses in the Breed Barn. Horse supply, equipment and service vendors will be on hand, and a silent auction of horse- and nonhorse-related goods and services will be held on both days. Educational lectures about a variety of horse care, management and training topics will be held both Saturday and Sunday.

Horse enthusiasts of all ages will find information and entertainment at the Alabama Horse Fair. Daily admission is $6 per person with free admission to children under 6 years of age. The Saturday evening entertainment is $10.

The Alabama Horse Fair is hosted by the Alabama Horse Council, a proactive organization dedicated to impartially representing the entire horse industry in Alabama. For more information on the fair, contact Cindy McCall at 334-844-1556 (day) or e-mail her at cmccall@acesag.auburn.edu.

###