 The event is produced by the Horsemen's Council of Illinois and
sponsored by Purina Mills and Illinois Farm Bureau.On of the
lead clinicians will be Aussie stockman Guy McLean, who believes
that the best tools in horsemanship are "knowledge, compassion,
patience and imagination," and in using these, many a fine
partnership has been formed. Tracy Porter, a featured clinician
across the United States, brings fun, common sense and a sense
of humor to foundation training.
Terry Myers is a leading trainer, instructor and national
clinician with experience spanning over 40 years. His
Ride-in-Sync horsemanship philosophy includes training for both
horse and rider to achieve balanced movements. Indy O'Connor, a
native of Illinois and clinician throughout the Midwest,
believes the horse is his greatest teacher, and he has developed
his method to connect with their gentle and noble spirit.
Friday and Saturday evening's entertainment, the Ranch Rodeo,
features rodeo thrills and spills as well as the amazing
Percheron Thunder. Spectators love the toil and tumble of the
team competition, at once finding it humorous and thrilling. It
is truly fun and a family event.
In addition, exhibits, educational opportunities and a
special Young Riders area will fill the historic Expo Hall on
the state fairgrounds. Over 100 commercial vendors cater to a
strong preseason retail environment, and HorsesForSale aisles
offer horses for private treaty sales. Breed and sport
demonstrations exhibit a wide variety of horse and horse-related
activities. With a Stallion Row and Parade, a queen contest and
the All-Youth Horse Judging Trials, there is something for
everyone at the Illinois Horse Fair.
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The fair opens on Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., when commercial exhibitors
will be ready to sell their equestrian products. Hours Saturday are
9 a.m.-7 p.m., and the fair concludes on Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday and Saturday nights will feature the Ranch Rodeo, "the
original rodeo," beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Coliseum with Guy
McLean.
Daily admission tickets are $10 each and three-day weekend passes
are $25. Children under 8 are admitted free with 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 in addition to the $10 general admission tickets.
Reserved seating tickets are $15. Tickets can be purchased by calling 217-529-6503.
The Illinois Horse Fair is produced by Horsemen's Council of
Illinois, an affiliate chapter of the American Horse Council. The
Horsemen's Council of Illinois provides representative leadership
for the horse industry in the state, promoting responsible horse
ownership and more interaction with horses.
[Text from file received from
Horsemen's Council of
Illinois]
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