 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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