Horse & Dog Enthusiasts “Go the Distance” to Attend 2010 Horse Expo

Western States Horse Expo provided fans with the ultimate equine experience on June 11-13, 2010 in Sacramento, California. Featuring brand new events and an all-star clinician line-up, Horse Expo delivered a “dog gone” good time to every attendee.

Making its debut in 2010, the Dogs Expo gave expo visitors the opportunity to watch man's best friend in a variety of demos and clinics including a Splash Dogs dock jumping competition. For the more traditional equine expo goers, two new events were added including the HELP Rescue Me Trainer Showcase and the Alltech Equestrian Extravaganza.

Featuring rescued horses and local horse trainers in a variety of disciplines, the Trainers Showcase included four categories: “Ground Me” (yearlings), “Greenie” (horses with some level of previous handling) and “Elite”(horses with little to no previous handling. As a result of hard work and dedication by both the Grace Foundation and the competing trainers, 70% of the horses involved were adopted.

Inspired by the 2010 World Equestrian Games being held in the United States, Horse Expo dreamed up an event that would feature the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Federation Equestrian International (FEI). The Alltech Equestrian Extravaganza displayed expert horseman demonstrating dressage, jumping, reining, eventing, para dressage, driving, vaulting and endurance. In between disciplines, the California Cowgirls dropped jaws in their fast paced drill routine, dogs gave a break from the horses.

Returning Horse Expo events included the Magnificent 7 and Western States Horse Expo Horse Sale. Capturing first place in the Magnificent 7 on Olena Oak, Ron Emmons also won second place on Matt Dillion Dun It. Competing in four events including herd work, rein work, steer stopping and fence work, the riders and horses were as face paced and fierce as ever.

Containing the nation's best bloodlines, the Horse Sale featured 112 outstanding horses. The highest seller, Dual Reys Angel, went for an impressive $24,500. A five-year-old mare by Dual Rey, her dam is a full sister to Peptoboonsmall. Bred to One Time PeptoFancy, this all-in-one package is due for a February foal.

Mark your calender for June 10-12, 2011 and be on the lookout for information on the 2011 Western States Horse Expo. Become a fan on Facebook and stay up-to-date on the latest news!

Horse Expo Symposium Offers Extensive Trail & Wilderness Education

How should you handle wildlife encounters? What supplies should you pack when horse camping? How do you deal with an emergency situation? The Trail Symposium at Horse Expo in Sacramento, California on June 11-13, 2010 will address these topics and more to ensure fun and safety on the trail.

Horse Expo has searched high and low, to round up the nation's best back country horsemen and wilderness riders, the Trail Symposium will provide trail enthusiasts with diverse information and education. Informing horse owners of the on-going and pressing issues facing the preservation of trails, the Symposium also offers a forum to share ideas and effective actions needed to keep trails open and used properly.

Trail Symposium presenters and seminars include:

• US Forest Service: Ken Graves, Michael Morse and Lee Roeser present Pack Stock and Packing Techniques in the Wilderness
• Bonnie Davis: Horse Camping
• Dan Marus: Managing Back Country Emergencies
• Ruthie Heuer: Wildlife Awareness
• Jo Johnson: Working Through Common Trail Riding Problems
• Michael Murphy: Horse Keeping for Clean Water
• Bruce DeMott: GPS, Why Do You Need One?
• Carolyn Gilmore: Gentle Use of Stock in the Back Country
• Ginger Kathrens: Current situation of wild horses and burros on public lands
• Renee Duykaerts: Dynamics & Composition of an Ideal Pack String
• Julie Hahn: Dutch Oven Cooking

HELP Rescue Me Trainer's Showcase to Kick Off Horse Expo

Highlighting rescued horses and talented local trainers, the HELP Rescue Me Trainer's Showcase will make it's debut at 7 pm on Thursday June 10, 2010 at the Western States Horse Expo in Sacramento, California. Created and produced by the Grace Foundation of Northern California, this first annual event will not only provide quality entertainment for the whole family but will shed light on the benefits of adopting rescue horses.

The Trainer's Showcase will place rescue horses in the hands of skilled, natural horsemanship trainers. Coming from the local Sacramento area and as far away as Santa Cruz, San Jose and the Bay area, these trainers participate in a variety of disciplines including dressage, hunter/jumper, eventing, driving, cutting and reining. By developing the Trainer's Showcase, the Grace Foundation is able to advocate the use of rescue horses and make them available for adoption by Horse Expo attendees.

"When people think of rescue horses, many believe these animals are throwaways; horses that either no one wants or severely neglected animals that are deemed incapable of living productive lives. But the reality is that these horses were merely in the wrong place at the wrong time," says the Grace Foundation.

The Grace Foundation, a well-known equine rescue and rehabilitation facility in El Dorado Hills, California, uses unwanted horses as a tool in working with at-risk youth and special needs children and adults.

"What makes the HELP Rescue Me Trainer's Showcase even more exciting is that we are in the grass roots stage of taking this event nationwide. HELP stands for 'Honoring Equines for Life Project', and like the small animal shelter organizations, Grace wants to make large animal shelters and therapeutic riding programs part of the norm in our country," says The Grace Foundation.

Featuring the the Trainer's Showcase, Silverado Studios will be creating a reality tv series titled "Saved by Grace". The series will follow the progress of the event's trainers and horses as well as the care and rehabilitation of horses at The Grace Foundation.

If you are unable to attend the HELP Rescue Me Trainer's Showcase, you can catch participating trainers and horses show off their talent in the Trainer Specialist Arena from 9 to 11 am on June 11th and 12th. For more information on The Grace Foundation, visit www.thegracefoundationofnorcal.org.

Horse Expo's Magnificent 7 All-Around Stock Horse Championship Slated for Friday June 11, 2010 in Sacramento, California

They can get down and boogie with a cow, pull a rope taught to stop a steer, rollback on a dime to turn a running steer, slide to a stop from breakneck speed and do spins that would make any prima ballerina green with envy. Who are these super horses you ask? They are the elite equine athletes of The Magnificent 7 All-Around Stock Horse Championship and you can see them in action for yourself at this year's Western States Horse Expo.

Horse enthusiasts from across the country will gather to catch the top 7 finalists compete for a $25,000 purse on Friday, June 11, 2010 during the ticketed evening finals at the Cal Expo Fairgrounds in Sacramento, California. Tickets to the finals Friday night are $15 and available now on the Horse Expo web site at www.horsexpo.com.

Open to all ages of horses, regardless of show history, only the most versatile teams will make it into the final seven. Demonstrating extreme talent under the hand of their highly skilled riders, the competition will include herd work, rein work, steer stopping and fence work.

Some of the biggest names in the reining and cow horse industry will be competing at the 2010 Magnificent 7 along with 5 out of the top 7 horses from the 2009 competition. Returning Champion Benny Guitron and Too Smart for You will be defending their title against Bob Avila, Wes Chappell (3rd place with Drag and Fly), Russel Dilday (7th with Topsails Rein Maker), Corey Cushing, Ron Emmons (2nd with Olena Oak), Mark Luis, Les Oswald, Jon Roeser (4th place with Mister Smart Remedy) and Ken Wold.

The Magnificent 7 is an open competition based on an event called the World's Championship All-Around Stock Horse Contest. This contest was originally initiated by Bobby Ingersoll in the 1970s and supported by the Pro Rodeo Hall of Famers Cotton Rosser and Walt Rodman. Legend tells that "the idea arose over drinks in Bennion's Horseshoe Club in Las Vegas, when the two men started talking about putting together a competition showcasing horses that ranchers would love to have; horses that could rope, cut, rein and run a cow down the fence."

Sporadically held over the years, the contest was resurrected after a 20 year hiatus and given a permanent home by Western States Horse Expo CEO and founder Miki Cohen.

Spectators are invited to watch for free on June 10 when the preliminaries begin at 8 am. Autographs will be available from the final seven at the Western Horseman booth on June 11 at 11 a.m. The Magnificent 7 will be held in the Trailer Specialist Arena on Friday night at 7:30 pm and will be judged by Bobby Ingersoll and Lance Johnson.

Horse Expo a Horse Lovin' Family's Summer Destination

Does your child constantly ask for a pony? Is your son's closet filled with dress up clothes to play cowboys and indians and your daughter's filled with every model horse on the market? If you've answered yes to any of these questions, Western States Horse Expo in Sacramento, California is the summer destination for your horse lovin' kids and family. Held at the Cal Expo Center on June 11-13, 2010, Horse Expo will feature hands on play and learning experiences totally dedicated to young horse enthusiasts.

The Young Rider Park offers a chance for youngsters to see magnificent horses up close and personal, featuring displays and activities that include the gentle Castle Rock Arabians. Kids can safely come face to face with these remarkable, friendly creatures and even paint them with tempera paint. Pony rides, arts and crafts, games, horse cookie making and more will all be part of the entertainment and education in the Young Rider Park.

New this year in the Young Rider Park, two youth authors will be on hand for book signings, including Terri Farley of the Phantom Stallion series and Gretchen Jones of Sonoma King, Drinker of the Wind. Also, the Mt. Eden Vaulting Team will have a vaulting barrel set up for kids to try their hand at vaulting.

In addition to Young Rider Park, Breyer West will feature America's favorite model horses, giving kids and adults alike a chance to paint their own Stablemates. Fans can join Breyer for all things model horses and check out the new Breyer line up, learn all there is to know about the model horse hobby and check out the model horse show. You especially won't want to miss Escondido - a BreyerWest exclusive special run model!

With the Young Rider Park, Breyer West and nightly events such as the Magnificent 7, the Alltech International Equine Extravaganza, and the Rescue Me Trainer's Showcase, you are sure to find something of interest for each member of your family.

A three-day pass, the best Horse Expo value, is $45 for adults with a children's ticket costing only $5 per day. Buy your tickets today and make Horse Expo your summer destination!

Western States Horse Expo "Goes to the Dogs" with New Dogs Pavilion

Join in the excitement of the new Dogs Pavilion at Horse Expo in Sacramento, California on June 11-13, 2010. Geared toward man's best friend, the Dogs Pavilion will feature 100,000 square feet for our favorite small, furry companions and has a brand new website at www.dogsexpo.com.

A variety of presenters, dog breeds and organizations will give demonstrations to Dogs Expo attendees on topics including picking the perfect puppy, basic training, treats versus praise, first aid and health issues, dealing with aggression, house training and more. Canidae dog food will be bringing you Splash Dogs, a family oriented competition dock jumping competition, along with Rocket's K-9 Comets, a high flying frisbee demonstration.

Don't miss these exciting events along with training demos by nationally renowned authors and trainers Uncle Matty and Dr. Ian Dunbar. Additional presenters include animal communicator Lydia Hiby, Joe Camp & Benji the Dog, and national agility winner Theresa Brantly. Demos on K9 units, search and rescue and sheepdogs will showcase the versatility of dogs who work for a living. Veterinarians from UC Davis will be on hand ready to answer all of your health related questions at the "Ask a Vet" booth.

Looking for a new buddy? Bring home a special dog from the Dogs Expo's Adoption Corner. Award-winning professional groomers will be participating in a Doggie Makeover turning scruffy rescue dogs into beautifully groomed pooches awaiting a forever home. If adopting a pet isn't in the cards for you, learn how you can volunteer and make a difference for dogs in need.

Attendees can get in on the fun by sending in their favorite dog photo to be a part of the "Workin' Like a Dog" photo wall on display in the Dogs Pavilion. (Details on how to submit a photo for the wall are on the expo's website.)

Last but not least, shoppers will relish in hundreds of booths selling everything needed for your dog; from dog food to crystal collars and everything in between. To buy tickets today or for information on how you can submit your dog for a demo, visit our new Dogs Expo site at www.dogsexpo.com.

Experience VIP/Red Carpet Treatment with the Farnam/VitaFlex Horse Expo Experience

Walk a mile in the boots of the horse industry's most fabulous this year with red carpet treatment at Western States Horse Expo in Sacramento, California on June 11-13, 2010. If you're looking for an all-inclusive pass and exclusive access to the country's biggest and best horse expo, then the Farnam/VitaFlex Experience is just your ticket.

Not only does this VIP package include tickets, special access to presenters, seating and line privileges for the Horse Expo, but Farnam/VitaFlex Horse Expo Experience VIP ticket holders will also be automatically entered to win an exciting grand prize from Farnam and VitaFlex.

For only $200, the Farnam/VitaFlex Horse Expo Experience includes:
• 3-day ticket
• 3-day parking pass
• VIP ticket holder souvenir badge
• Express Line Privileges. No waiting in lines, just jump to the front!
• Reserved VIP seating during special events
• Advance access to the 2010 schedule before the public
• Rescue Me Trainers Challenge ticket (Thursday Night)
• Magnificent 7 All-Around Stock Horse Competition ticket (Friday Night)
• Alltech International Equestrian Extravaganza ticket (Saturday Night)
• The chance to meet the presenters one-on-one at the "Meet the Clinicians" reception
• Coupons from Farnam and VitaFlex and entry into the exclusive VIP grand prize drawing

A limited number of VIP tickets to the Farnam/VitaFlex Experience are available, so hurry and get yours today!

About Farnam
The undisputed leader in health care for decades, today their reputation for innovative product development, thorough research, high production standards and competitive pricing has made them a dominant force in the pet care and equine industries. Every Farnam® product is backed by a deep commitment to animal health care by not only working closely with veterinarians and other professionals in animal care, but listening to the needs of animal owners. To learn more, visit www.farnam.com.

Western States Horse Expo to Present Alltech International Equestrian Extravaganza on June 12

The nation's largest equine expo, Western States Horse Expo, has teamed up with Alltech to present the Alltech International Equestrian Extravaganza on June 12, 2010 as part of the Sacramento, CA expo. The June 12 ticketed event will preview the excitement of September's Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY.

Saturday evening, Western States Horse Expo will come alive starting at 7:30 pm as some of the world's best equine athletes gallop onto the scene. All eight Federation Equestrian International (FEI) disciplines - dressage, jumping, reining, eventing, para-equestrian, driving, vaulting, and endurance - will be featured. The horses participating in these special demonstrations will awe spectators with their athletic ability and spirit. World class athletes like Olympic Silver Medalist Gina Miles will help spectators at this special once-in-a-lifetime event gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to compete at an international level.

"Horse Expo will be bringing fans multiple disciplines and entertaining exhibitions all packaged into one spectacular event. The Alltech International Equestrian Extravaganza will display some of the equine industry's leading athletes and competitors. Because 2010 is the first time that the World Equestrian Games will be held in the United States this is the perfect opportunity to debut this new event at Horse Expo," says Miki Cohen, president of Western States Horse Expo.

During the Western States Horse Expo, Alltech will also feature a preview of the Equine Village and the Kentucky Experience that will be one of the many highlights of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in September. In the village, visitors will have a taste of the Kentucky hospitality that they will find at the Games. Tickets for the event are now available for advance purchase. Ticket cost is $15 per person.

The Extravaganza will be brought to you by Horse Expo sponsor, Alltech. Alltech is a global, natural animal health company, and is the first-ever title sponsor of the World Equestrian Games. Founded in 1980, Alltech has built its business on providing natural, nutritional solutions to challenges facing animal agriculture.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held in Lexington, KY, USA from September 25 - October 10, 2010, are the world championships of the eight disciplines recognized by the FEI. The 16-day competition involving 600 riding competitors and 700 horses from more than 60 countries is expected to be attended by as many as 600,000 spectators and viewed on television by an international audience exceeding 460 million people.

Read a description of each of the events featured in the Alltech Equine Extravaganza >>

Fans Can Win FREE Western States Horse Expo Tickets Via Facebook

Over the last 12 years, Western States Horse Expo in Sacramento, California has showcased the nation's most popular trainers and clinicians. The June 11-13, 2010 event will be no exceptions and eager fans can trade their knowledge of clinician related trivia for free tickets to the expo. Each week, the expo will post clues as to the identity of one of the clinicians who will present at the 2010 Expo. The first Facebook fan who guesses the identity of the featured clinician will win two 3-day passes to the expo.

Always presenting an all-star line-up, Western States Horse Expo president Miki Cohen says she is as excited as ever about the 2010 clinician lineup.

"Posting a clue and clinician a week on our Facebook fan page is a fun way for us to stay in touch with Horse Expo fans. As the weeks go by, fans will see for themselves why this year's clinician lineup promises to be one of our best yet," says Miki Cohen, President of Western States Horse Expo.

The Western States Horse Expo's Facebook page is a place where attendees can not only go for up-to-date info and last minute updates, but it's a forum for fans to give feedback on the latest expo developments. Facebook also offers the opportunity to visit links of presenters and exhibitors and view pictures from the 2009 expo. To become a fan and get your chance to win free tickets to the expo visit Facebook and become a fan now!

California Cowgirls, founded by Wilton's Elk Grove's Sara Curtis, at the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games

From the Elk Grove Citizen
By Elizabeth Pinkerton

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Western States Horse Expo
July 8, 2009
Contact: Jean Zabriskie
(800) 352-2411 or jean@horsexpo.com
Photos available upon request

2009 WESTERN STATES HORSE EXPO RECAP

As the doors closed on Sunday afternoon of the Western States Horse Expo (held June 12-14 at Cal Expo in Sacramento, California), show management was pleased to announce that the 11 th annual expo was an overwhelming success. Attendees were dazzled by the vast array of choices offered to them. Poring over the schedule, "I need to be at the Purina Arena at 10:30 to watch John Lyons, then the Trailer Specialist Arena at 12:15 for Stacy Westfall, followed by a Nutrition seminar at 2:30 in the Wrangler/Justin Amphitheater and the Arabian breed demo at 4:00 in the Toyota Arena. In between I need to get some shopping done in the Mane Market Mall and leave a few minutes to grab a bite to eat in the food courts and stroll through the Equine Dream Art Show before watching the evening show at 7:30. Oops - I need to stay another day, as I must watch Stephen Bradley, Richard Winters, and newcomers to the Horse Expo - Ken McNabb and Tommy Garland. Oh, I must not forget the Trail Symposium and Cowboy Poetry."

The Western States Horse Expo was the equine destination of the year for many committed horseman. Attendees came from all over the United States plus Mexico, Canada, and Australia. There were even families who planned their vacation around the Horse Expo and girlfriends making it their annual retreat. Its one stop shopping for all equine needs was a horse lover's paradise, with items ranging from the standard tack and equipment to the whimsical decorated fly masks and rubber balls. Plus most of the major feed, supplement and medical manufacturers were in attendance. You could even come home with a new barn or horse trailer as sales abounded and financing was available on the grounds. And how about a new horse to go in that new trailer! After your horse was taken care of you could outfit yourself with new jeans and boots plus shop for your western home décor and items to make life a little easier. You could now relax and call for a "Horse Valet" (a new service provided this year, sponsored by Flyspray.com). The valet would come to an exhibitor booth, collect your packages and deliver them to Park Your Packages. At the end of the day, the valet would then cart your packages out to your vehicle, all this just for a tip benefiting Horses, Hope & Healing.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Mustang Challenge: 22 trainers were given a BLM Mustang to train for 90 days then bring it to the Western States Horse Expo to compete for prizes. The top eleven scoring Mustangs competed in the finals Saturday evening. The tie breaker was between Katherine Cumberland and Joel Sheridan (technical merit versus artistic); each had 90 seconds to perform a final act and first place was awarded to Cumberland riding the mare, Wendy. All Mustangs were adopted after the finals, with Wendy being the high adopting horse at $4,000. All 22 Mustangs were adopted for an average price of $1,100 each.

Magnificent 7: One man, one horse, 4 events (herd work, steer stopping, reining and fence work) and you have the Magnificent 7 All Around Stock Horse Competition. After the dust settled, the championship title went to Benny Guitron riding Too Smart For You owned by Paula Diuiri with the reserve going to Ron Emmons riding Olena Oak owned by Mel Smith and Nicole Scott.

Horse Sale: A new arena was built this year to host the Horse Sale, managed by Dave Hammond. Over 100 horses were sold on Sunday afternoon with Lot #1 being a zebra weanling going for over $8,000. The top selling stallion went for $11,000; top mare for $6,750 and top gelding for $5,600. Full results can be viewed on our website.

Hall of Fame: John Lyons, "America's Most Trusted Horseman", was awarded the 2009 Hall of Fame during the Mustang Challenge Finals on Saturday evening. John Lyons is one of the most respected trainers around the world. His ideas and concepts in horse training have influenced every level of performance, every style of riding and every breed of horse throughout the world. It was a thrill to see the surprised expression on his face when his name was announced.

Equine Dream Art Show: Art aficionados could bask in the atmosphere while viewing over 100 pieces of art displayed at the Equine Dream Art Show, sponsored by Equine Insurance. Best of Show was awarded to "Tevis Cup Rest Stop" (Oil) by James Crandall. People's Choice was awarded to "Thankful" (Pencil) by Katherine Plumer.

BreyerWest: was packed each day in their new location in the indoor Pavilion. Kids and adults alike enjoyed the swap meet, painting model horses, viewing the model horse show (sold out) and getting sneak peeks at the new products.

Driving Darby: The Driving Darby returned this year with dirt flying and wheels sliding in the Toyota Arena. This fast paced display of rigs put on quite a show displaying what single, pair, tandem and pony carriages can do in tight spots.

Breed/Sport Demonstrations: It is always a joy to watch the various breed and sport associations put on a show highlighting their specialty. From Baskir Curlys to American Saddlebreds, from Minis to Arabians, from Fox Trotters to Morgans, from Paso Finos to Friesians, you could watch the breed you love and even come away with a new favorite. Sit back and be amazed at the prowess of the Mounted Shooting riders and feel your heart strings pulled as you watched the equine rescue and therapy groups.

At the end of the weekend, attendees and exhibitors alike had tired feet, but smiles on their faces. "Exhibitors were pleased with the overall outcome, what with the dire news in the air about the economy", stated show manager, Jean Zabriskie. "Many have already signed up for the 2010 expo". Attendees were itching to go home and try out that new training method or just hop on and enjoy the camaraderie with their horse.

The Western States Horse Expo would like to thank their sponsors for contributing to their success; Toyota, The Trailer Specialist, Boot Barn, Wrangler/Justin, Purina, Western Horseman, Andis, Platinum Performance, California Horsetrader, Equine Insurance, Pyranha, Mallard Creek, Flyspray.com (Horse Valet), Larry Viegas Insurance, Holt, High Desert Livestock and the Western States Extreme Mustang Makeover.

June 11-13, 2010; mark the 2010 date on your calendar and be sure to join us. Check out our website at http:// www.horsexpo.com for further information.