Red Deer, AB -- Equine enthusiasts and horse lovers of all interests began converging Friday at Westerner Park where the doors opened to the Mane Event Equine Education & Trade Fair. It is the first appearance in Red Deer for the Event, which has been drawing large crowds in Chilliwack, BC and Ridgefield, WA for the past four years.
“There is a real air of excitement about us bringing the Event here”, said show manager Gail Barker. “We have had a lot of encouragement from the horse community, including the Alberta Equestrian Federation which has really been supportive.” Barker said Friday’s attendance was the best the Mane Event has ever experienced on an opening day. “I guess the saying, ‘if you build it, they will come’ is true!” she said.
The Trainers Challenge kicked off with the three trainers - Raye Lochert (California), Steve Rother (Oregon) and Jay O’Jay (British Columbia) - drawing for one of the young unbroke horses supplied by Lukacs Farms. They had an opportunity to begin working with the horses in the first of four round-pen sessions which will end with the Finals Sunday afternoon.
Saturday’s activities include a full slate of clinics and presentations in the arenas and demonstration areas. Tim “The Trailman” Kimura, Driving champion Marssoe LaRose and Brian Isbell (Hunter Under Saddle and Western Pleasure) are all on the schedule. The Equine Experience closes out the day, with a terrific lineup of demonstrations and entertainment. A Liberty demonstration by Jonathan Field with his horse, Hal, a freestyle dressage performance by Rebecca Cade and an appearance by Robyn Hood with her Icelandic horses is just a partial list of the evening’s entertainment.
Admission to all clinics, presentations and the Equine Experience is included in the admission price. Tickets are available at the door. Adults: $12 (daily) $30 (weekend pass); Youth 7-12: $8 (daily) $20 (weekend pass). Children 6 and under are free For a complete schedule of events visit
http://www.maneeventexpo.com.
PHOTO Caption: “Donkey and mule trainer Steve Edwards of Arizona works with participants at The Mane Event.”
Photo Credit: Jan Mansfield
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<a href="http://www.equestrianmag.com/article/mane-event-trade-fair-canada-4-07.html">The Mane Event Equine Education & Trade Fair is Underway</a> ~ EquestrianMag.com
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