New vendor space and expanded hours for Illinois Horse Fair, March 1-3

[February 02, 2013]  SPRINGFIELD -- Top national clinicians and equine educators will join vendors offering everything equestrian at the 24th annual Illinois Horse Fair, March 1-3, at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The 2013 theme is "Horses through History, Past, Present and Future." This year's event features award-winning clinician and Aussie stockman Guy McLean, along with Jason and Rose Goodman and their "Percheron Thunder" six-horse team.

Other featured clinicians are Tracy Porter, Terry Myers, Bianca Massa, Tim Austin and gaited horse clinician Anita Howe.

The fair is sponsored by Purina Mills and the Illinois Farm Bureau.

The Illinois Horse Fair opens on a Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., when the commercial exhibitors will be ready to sell their equestrian products in a new location at the historic Exposition Hall. Hours Saturday are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and then 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Friday and Saturday nights will feature Ranch Rodeo, "the Original Rodeo," with Guy McLean in the Coliseum at 7:30.

Training demonstrations along with clinics and demo sessions will be presented in both the Coliseum and the Livestock Center.

With over 140 commercial vendors expected, the return of the popular HorsesForSale aisles, breed and sport demonstrations, Stallion Row and Parade, the All-Youth Horse Judging Trials, Future Riders activity area and a queen contest, the Illinois Horse Fair has something for everyone.

Daily admission tickets are $10 each and weekend passes are $25. Children under 8 are admitted free with a paid adult. General admission tickets give access to all exhibits, clinics and educational presentations. Gates will be open at 8 a.m. and wristbands can be purchased at the gates. Ranch Rodeo requires separate tickets for Friday and Saturday nights along with the general admission tickets. Reserved seating tickets for the evening performances are $15.

Watch for new parking locations for spectators. A parking area for the handicapped is designated for easy access at the northeast side of the Expo Hall.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.horsemenscouncil.org/HorseFair or calling 217-529-6503.

The Illinois Horse Fair is produced by the Horsemen's Council of Illinois, an affiliate chapter of the American Horse Council. HCI is the statewide "organization of organizations" and individuals, providing central leadership and advocacy for Illinois' 64,000 horse owners, 178,000 horses and its diverse $1.2 billion equine industry.

[Text from file received from the Horsemen's Council of Illinois]