International Riders, over 100 Educational Seminars, Exhibits and More
Create the “Mane Event” for All Ages at the Maryland State Fairgrounds
There are so many things that are hard to explain to non-horsey friends about horsey-stuff. Horse World Expo, however, is something everyone can understand. Sure, the people in your office have probably never heard of Julie Goodnight, Nick Karazissis, Colleen Kelly or Jimmy Wofford, but the words “shopping” and “entertainment” transcend horse world. “Free stuff” and “food” could also raise some interest! Though it’s truly an event anyone would enjoy, for our people, Expo is so, so much more. Where else can you walk into a place called the “Cow Palace” and find so much horse stuff, learn so much about horses and see so much family friendly horse related entertainment?
Horse World Expo returns January 17-19, 2014 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, MD. This year’s Expo welcomes back many of its signature attractions including the Trail Champions Challenge. The challenge pits competitors against the clock and each other as they navigate various obstacles that simulate challenges found on the trail. Always a crowd favorite, the event draws entries from both English and Western riders ages 10 and up. Equi-tainment is also back for 2014. Essentially an equine variety show, the showcase speaks to the ranging talents of both horses and riders. Trick riding, freestyle dressage and bridleless riding are only a few of the equi-taining features of the show. Don’t miss Julio Mendoza of Mendoza Dressage in a special dressage showcase. Want to get involved yourself? Daily roping contests give attendees the opportunity to take a basic lesson with a cowboy before competing against one another. Prizes will be awarded daily. Contestants may register on site.
A general admission ticket not only opens up access to all of these events, but also to Expo’s unique range of speakers and clinicians. Experts from all over the U.S. will teach seminars and clinics ranging in topics from hoof care to stolen horse recovery to barrel racing to dressage to natural horsemanship and more! Nowhere else will you find Craig Cameron, problem solver extraordinaire with a huge national following and U.S. Eventing Hall-of-Famer Jimmy Wofford teaching at the same event. If you’re interested in Natural Horsemanship or Western Dressage, Julie Goodnight will be back for 2014. Julie is the star of her own television show, Horse Master with Julie Goodnight. Representing the hunter/jumper world is well known trainer and competitor Nick Karazissis who is flying in from California to share his knowledge. From biomechanics specialist Colleen Kelly, learn how your body functions as you ride. Heard any stolen-horse horror-stories? Debi Metcalf will discuss prevention and networking in the case of stolen or lost horses or pets. Jennifer and Dean Moshier will give talks about their respective fields, Western riding and hoof care. Jennifer is a well-respected judge and clinician, while Dean is known for servicing over 450 horses in the Ohio area, as well as speaking and writing for farrier conventions and publications. Over 30 trainers and speakers will appear at the January Expo.
Many of the clinicians also have booths, where longtime fans and interested newcomers can interact, shop and connect. These booths sit among the rows and rows of vendors including tack shops, jewelry makers, retail clothing outlets and many more. Last year, Expo played host to over 450 booths with horse associations, 4-H clubs, pony clubs and rescues included in the count. Give your credit card a rest and take a stroll down Stallion Avenue or Breed Row. From Thoroughbreds to Spanish Mustangs, see horses of many breeds, colors and sizes, all up close and personal.
Daily admission tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 6 to 12. Children under 6 are FREE and parking is FREE also. The Expo is open from noon-8pm on Friday, 9am to 7pm Saturday and 9am to 5pm on Sunday. A complete event schedule, vendor and clinician lists can be found on www.horseworldexpo.com. Don’t forget to connect with us via our Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest Horse Expo news.