Largest Educational Equine Event in the Rocky Mountain Region to Take Place in Denver from March 31 to April 2

The largest educational equine event in the Rocky Mountain region will take place from March 31 to April 2 in the National Western Events Center in Denver. Presented by the Colorado Horse Council and Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, Horse Expo 2000 offers outstanding headline events, practical seminars and the largest horse-related commercial trade show in the Rocky Mountain region. Horse enthusiasts of all levels will be able to enjoy and participate in displays, events, seminars and training sessions.

The trade show will include 200 booths with the latest equine equipment, tack, nutritional supplements and educational materials. Horses will be on display next to breed booths with more than twenty breeds from all over the world.

Additionally, the special historical display entitled "Horses: Our Link Through Time" is a walk through history which will include displays of more than 35 antique carriages and wagons, antique saddles, civil war tack, antique farm equipment and more. Contributors to this display include artifacts and reenactors from such groups as the Th U.S. Memorial Calvary, the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, the Four Mile Historical Park and the Black American West Museum.

"This is the largest and most comprehensive educational horse event in this area," said Ann Swinker, associate professor and Colorado State Cooperative Extension horse specialist. "Whether you attend for the pure entertainment of watching the antique carriage show, English dressage performance or the team penning competition, or if you go to learn non-confrontational training skills from a professional like Marty Martin, there is something for everyone."

This is the seventh annual Horse Expo and the largest one to date. Some of the headline events include:

  • Author GaWaNi Pony Boy will discuss and demonstrate "Relationship Training;"
  • A presentation by the Rocky Mountain Longear Association
  • The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program will have a display and give presentations on the lives and natural habitats of various raptors including eagles, hawks, falcons and others;
  • Presentations of Colorado’s own horse breeds;
  • Members of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association will give seminars and presentations on equine care and first aid;
  • a discussion by equine expert Pat Parelli on understanding natural horsemanship;
  • a presentation by Back Country Horseman of Colorado;
  • a talk by Dr. Jennifer MacLeay, DVM, Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital on "The Science of Horse Behavior and Learning;"
  • Rocky Mountain Team Penning Association will demonstrate team cattle penning;
  • demonstrations on proper shoeing and care of the feet by the Rocky Mountain Farriers Association; and
  • horse judging contest, 4-H and FFA, junior and senior collegiate competition.

A welcoming social event, open to everyone will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 31 in the Hall of Education and offer the public the opportunity to meet the speakers and demonstrators.

For more information and a complete calendar of events, call (303) 292-4981; or access www.cohoco.com.