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Kalley Krickeberg’s “Advancing Liberty” to close Horse Expo 2014

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In just a few hours, Kalley Krickeberg will close out the 2014 edition of the Western States Horse Expo with her workshop called “Advancing Liberty, no strings attached.” Liberty is the free expression of the horse. It demonstrates the partnership between the horse and handler. The handler asks the horse to do different horsemanship tasks, but the horse has no tack on. No reins, no bridle, no bit. By agreeing do to the tasks, the horse is submitting its will to the will of the handler.  Check out the video below for a brief demonstration.

Kalley Krickenberg doing LibertyMs. Krickeberg who trains out of Florida, has dedicated her life to finding the right combination of techniques and exercises to capture the heart, obedience and athleticism of her horses. She has taken all of her prior experiences – including polo, working with the Budweiser Clydesdales, starting colts, taming wild mustangs, and giving inspirational and educational demonstrations – and applied every lesson learned to her horse development. She is the inventor of the patent pending HYBRID Halter which combines the best features of a web and rope halter while eliminating the disadvantages of each, is the horse training columnist for the American Paint Horse Association’s lifestyle magazine CHROME and is a collaborator with $5 Million Dollar Rider Shawn Flarida on The Sport of Reining: Training the Young Reiner DVD which was released late in 2013.

So if you have some free time this Father’s Day Sunday Afternoon, spend it at the Western States Horse and Ranch Expo. Ms. Krickeberg’s “Advancing Liberty” will begin at 5 pm. You can find more information about her at her booth, #5201, in the A Building. There are also over 400 exhibitors, 20 plus clinicians, and horses galore. The Expo closes this evening at 6:00 pm. It’s located at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd. in Sacramento.

Horse Expo Returns to Cal Expo Tomorrow

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Get your boots on, your trailer loaded, and head down to Cal Expo tomorrow, Friday, June 13th for another installment of the Western States Horse and Ranch Exposition. For those that have attended the Expo previously, you know that it is chalk full of exhibitors, clinicians, and horses. There is everything that the horseperson could want. For those that haven’t attended, below we have a few brief summaries of things to expect at this year’s Expo:

* Equine Dream Art Show and Sale

The Art Show and Sale enters it’s 16th year at the Expo. Come celebrate the beauty and majesty of the horse with artists from all around the world. Hundreds of pieces will be on display from fine artists in wide ranging categories from: oil, acrylic, colored pencil, pastel, pen & ink, pencil/charcoal, watercolor, photography, sculpture, pottery, mixed media and wearable art. Last year, Stephanie Rose Long from Fallon, NV captured the Grand Champion award in the art competition for her pastel work, “Dianoro.”

Charles Wilhelm's Ultimate Super Horse Challenge
A competitor in the Ultimate Super Horse Challenge

* Charles Wilhelm’s Ultimate Super Horse Challenge

Previously featured on SacHorse.com, the Challenge will feature up to 15 riders in a competition “designed to showcase the rider’s control, and the horse’s relaxed lightness and responsiveness throughout the course. The challenge is designed to show the versatility of the horse and test the rider to excel in their abilities and to demonstrate their relationship with their horse, horsemanship and equitation.” The top 5 finalists will compete on Saturday Evening for the grand prize of a trip for 2 to the Hawaii Horse Expo. The second prize of $500 isn’t too shabby either. If you miss the performance on Saturday Evening, the top 5 finalists will also perform in a short musical freestyle program on Sunday. SacHorse.com’s Mandi Thompson from Mandi Thompson Training will be among the competitors.

* Magnificent 7

Magnificent 7 Stock Horse Championship
The All-Around Champion Buckle from the 2013 Magnificent 7

The Magnificent 7 brings some of the top horsemen from the US and Canada together to demonstrate their skill and versatility in 4 different events: herd work, rein work, steer stopping ,and fence work. The competition is based on an event called the World’s Championship All-Around Stock Horse Contest originally created by legendary horseman Bobby Ingersoll. Big money is at stake as a $25,000 purse will be up for grabs. You can view the horsemen in action on Friday evening beginning at 7 pm. A separate ticket is required for the competition. Tickets for the Magnificent 7 will be $10.

* Horse Sale

Entering it’s 15th year at the Expo, the horse sale makes available over 100 horses of different breeds and disciplines to attendees. Dave Hammond from Dave Hammond Auctions will be conducting this year’s Sale. “We are expecting over 100 horses to be entered into the Horse Sale this year, which will consist of well broke riding horses in English or Western,” said Mr. Hammond. “Since 1985, we have worked hard to offer something for everyone, from show horses to gentle trail riding veterans.”
Starting on Friday morning, attendees can view the horses for sale and speak with the owners of the horses. The formal preview and demonstrations will begin at 9 am the morning of the Horse Sale. Cattle will be available for use during the demons. The Sale will begin promptly at noon on Sunday, June 15th. If you’re interested in viewing the horses prior to coming to the Expo, please visit: www.DHAuctions.com. For questions about the sale, please call 916-801-9465.

* Clinicians

Bob Avila
“World’s Greatest Horseman” Bob Avila

There will be tons of clinicians there to help you fix issues with your horse or take your horse to the next level. This year will be headlined by Bob Avila. Mr. Avila has won 37 World Champions/Reserve World Championships and over $1.7 million in events ranging from performance to halter. He is also the first recipient of the American Quarter Horse Association Professional Horseman title, “World’s Greatest Horseman.” Also in attendance will be Gina Miles, Olympic Silver Medalist; Eitan Bech-Halachy, known as the father of Cowboy Dressage; Richard Winters, National Reigning Cow Horse Association World Champion and host of HRTV’s Richard Winters Horsemanship; Richard Shrake, the legendary horseman known for his Resistance Free® training and riding method; Tim Kumara, a.k.a. “Man of Trail,” renowned trail course designer; Troy Compton, World and Congress Champion in Western Pleasure, and many, many more.

* Everything Else

As Ron Popeil would say, “That’s not all!” There will be a University area where attendees will learn everything from an education on equine physiology to tips on nutrition, saddle fitting, and barn design. Up Close and Personal sessions will offer attendees question and answer sessions with their favorite clinicians. There will also be a Trail Symposium, Young Rider Park, Draft Horses, Breed Revelation, Book Corral as well as over 400 Exhibitors for trucks, trailers, feed, barns, and everything in between and all around.

The Western States Horse & Ranch Exposition expects as many as 50,000 visitors through the turnstiles this year. If you plan on being one of the attendees, tickets will cost $18 per day or you can purchase a 3-day pass for $45. Youth 7-13 will be $5 per day and children 6 and under will be free. The Expo runs from Friday, June 13th to Sunday, June 15th. Gates open at 9 am and the Expo closes at 6 pm, however, the Magnificent 7 and Ultimate Super Horse Challenge will be on Friday and Saturday evenings, respectively. The Expo will be held at Cal Expo Fairgrounds at 1600 Exposition Blvd. in Sacramento. A map to the venue is below. Parking for Cal Expo is $10.

For more information, please visit the Horse Expo’s home on the web at www.horsexpo.com.

Bob Avila To Headline at Western States Horse Expo

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It’s that time again for the Western States Horse Expo at the Cal Expo in Sacramento.  They’ll be multiple competitions, demonstrations, workshops, and shopping vendors to entertain even the mildest of horse fans.  For more information and to view the whole schedule, please visit: www.horseexpo.com.  There is currently a discount on the weekend pass and tickets to the Magnificent 7 Competition at Living Social.  The discount expiration is unknown.

Below is a press release that Vita Flex just put out about this year’s headlining trainer Bob Avila.  The release reads:

Vita Flex, a leading supplier of advanced performance products for horses, is proud to announce that Victory Team member Bob Avila will be one of the main presenting clinicians at this year’s Western States Horse Expo, held June 13-15, at Cal Expo Fairgrounds in Sacramento, California.

Over the years such notable presenters have included Bob Avila, Chris Cox, John Lyons, Clinton Anderson, Richard Winters, Pat Parelli, Ken McNabb, Craig Cameron, Jonathan Field, and more. Visitors benefit from a wide variety of great horse training knowledge. It’s like being able to attend a dozen horsemanship clinics all in one day. Besides learning horse training tips, guests can shop for horse trailers, horse art, horses products, and all types of horse supplies.

Bob Avila has called the American Quarter Horse his obsession for over 35 years. With over 37 World Champion or Reserve World Champion titles in events ranging from performance to halter, Bob is renowned as being a trainer’s trainer. Also known as the Million Dollar Rider, he’s the first recipient of the AQHA Professional Horseman to capture the prestigious title of World’s Greatest Horseman twice. He’s won in excess of $1.7 million, including both the $100,000 NRCHA Futurity and the $100,000 NRHA Futurity, a feat only accomplished by one other individual. Bob’s also in the very elite company of only one other horseman who’s won the NRCHA Futurity more than twice.

Currently, Bob resides in Temecula, CA, with his wife Dana, where he oversees Avila Training Stables. He has several young apprentices working, learning and studying with him. Bob should be proud of his accomplishments, but those around him know that he seldom takes much time to enjoy the spotlight; he’s too busy looking and working towards tomorrow.

Competitors at all levels strive to keep their horses in top competitive form. Vita Flex® products are researched and tested by equine nutritionists and veterinarians, and have been relied upon for more than two decades by owners, trainers and top riders. Members of the Vita Flex Victory Team also rely on Vita Flex® products and are proud to represent the company.

Vita Flex® products are researched and tested by equine nutritionists and veterinarians, and have been relied upon for more than two decades by owners, trainers and top riders. Members of the Vita Flex Victory Team also rely on Vita Flex® products and are proud to represent the company.

The Vita Flex Victory Team is comprised of many world-class riders from all disciplines, including reiners Bob Avila and Al Dunning, dressage riders Adrienne Lyle, Caroline Roffman, and Lisa Wilcox, jumper riders Lauren Hough, Todd Minikus and Patty Stovel, and eventer Jan Byyny. Members of the Vita Flex Victory Team rely on Vita Flex® products and are proud to represent the company. Vita Flex Nutrition offers animal health supplements, antioxidants, electrolytes, joint supplements, performance products, topicals and vitamins and minerals. Vita Flex® products are researched and tested by equine nutritionists and veterinarians and have been relied upon for more than two decades by owners, trainers and top riders.

Bob AvilaBob Avila

Draft Horse Classic Runs Through The Weekend

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Fall is in the air and that means that it’s time for the annual Draft Horse Classic at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley.  This is the 27th year of the Classic in Nevada City featuring beautiful and strong draft horses, including Clydesdales, Percherons, Shires, and Belgians, parading in a number of different classes and challenges.  From the Fairgrounds:

“The Classic spotlights a variety of horses, teams, rigs and performances; featuring everything from farm wagons, carriages, and driving competitions to dancing horses and racing mules.  The stars of the show are the horses, and with more than 120 horses stables on the grounds, the Classic offers a unique chance to observe them in a multitude of settings.”

During the performance, Tommie Turvey, world-renowned equine entertainer will also perform.  You can catch Tommie’s horses in Batman: The Dark Knight and his training was featured in Budweiser’s 2013 Superbowl Commercial.

The Fairground’s Harvest Festival will also accompany the Classic again this year.  The Harvest Festival features many different vendors and food booths, art and artisans, and demonstrations from craftsmen such as farriers. The Harvest Festival, which also encompasses behind the scenes action at the Draft Horse Classic through barn tours, is an opportunity to get an intimate look at these large horse breeds, their tack, driving and pulling equipment, and meet and talk to the owners and trainers.

On Saturday, Bounty of the County will take place which is a pairing of local chefs with local produce and meats of Nevada producers (for more info, please visit www.nevadagcountygrown.org). Sunday will feature the third annual Classic BBQ Cook-Off from 1:30 to 4.  SacHorse.com didn’t make it to the Cook-Off last year, but two years ago food was going fast so be sure to get there early.

The Classic began last night with one performance.  There will be a performance this evening at 6:30 p.m.  The remainder of the weekend’s performances are listed below.

Saturday, September 22 10:00 am
Saturday, September 22 6:30 pm
Sunday, September 23 10:00 am
Sunday, September 23 4:00 pm

Tickets range from $10 to $19 and a season pass is available for $80.  For more information please visit the fair’s website by clicking here or call them at (530) 273-6217.

 

California State Fair 2013

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Enjoy some shots from around the fair! There are many horse events going on throughout the fair. Cavalcade arena has horse demos everyday starting at 3 pm. Every year youth exhibitors from around the state come together to compete at the State 4-h/FFA/Grange/Independent Finals. Classes include halter, western, gymkhana and english. Horses of many different breeds are presented throughout the duration of the fair and there is a fun racehorse display with many kids activities.

 

Loomis Basin Equine Med Center Grand Opening

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It was a great, but hot event! Many booths from local equine related organizations and businesses. There were educational talks throughout the day from Loomis Basin vets. Sachorse.com did a tour with Dr. Diana Stolba and got to see the wonderful new facility. We were even treated to a burger and hot dog lunch! Thanks to Loomis Basin for a great event. Sachorse.com had a drawing for two western saddle blankets and the winners will be announced soon. Check back here or our Facebook page to see who won.

Western States Horse Expo Begins June 7

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Cal Expo to host tens of thousands over the long weekend

It’s that time of year again.  A weekend filled with clinicians, demonstrations, exhibitions, and lots of shopping.  It’s none other than the Western States Horse Expo, celebrating it’s 15th at Cal Expo in Sacramento.  Horse Expo will begin on Friday, June 7th and end on Sunday, June 9th.Western States Horse Expo

This year, Horse Expo will be filled with many of their most popular events.  The Magnificent 7, a competition where noted trainers put stock horses through their paces, will return on Friday evening.  Horses must perform a reining pattern, fence work, cutting, and roping.  While the Finals will culminate on Friday evening, the preliminary competition will be held on Thursday.  This preliminary competition is open to the public as is free of charge.

Noted clinician, Chris Cox will present Chris Cox & Friends.  This is a celebration of different horse styles and disciplines.  At the January Horse Expo in Pomona, Chris’s event featured Spanish horses, an early product of the Mustang Makeover, working cow dogs, and Richard and Sarah Winters.  Also expect a unique and surprising group of entertainers in Sacramento.

Charles Wilhelm
Charles Wilhelm

Charles Wilhelm is launching the Ultimate Super Horse Challenge at this year’s Horse Expo.  The Challenge will feature three days of competition including equitation and trail patterns, “Dancing with Cows” and working patterns, and a Grand Finale including a flag run, dragging and crossing a large tarp, pedestal, balls, and jumps.  Charles describes a Super Horse as a horse that is “able to quietly do a variety of tasks and exercises with confidence and success.”

“One of the great bonuses of having the Ultimate Super Horse Challenge at Western States Horse Expo is that these horses will be exposed to huge crowds, golf carts, babies crying, horse all around them, bursts of applause, loud speakers – all kinds of environments and noises that you can’t duplicate at home.”  The overall winner of the three-day Ultimate Super Horse Challenge will receive one of Charles Wilhelm’s signature saddles.

Horse Expo is also presenting a Trail Symposium.  The Symposium will feature lectures and demonstrations from both competition and pleasure riders.  Speakers include Becky Hart, the three-time FEI World Endurance Champion, experts from the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) and the North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC), and horse camping expert, Bonnie Davis.  The Symposium will run the length of Horse Expo.

In addition, demonstrations will also continue throughout the weekend along with the Equine Dream Art Show and Sale, The Book Corral, and Young Rider Park and Petting Zoo.  The Young Riders Park at Horse ExpoYoung Rider Park will focus on 4-H and Pony Club programs where parents can learn about what these groups have to offer.  And there are plenty of shopping booths covering everything imaginable from tack to clothes to trailer to something special for the barn.  A list of all the activities follows this article.

Horse Expo is located at the Cal Expo Fairgrounds at 1600 Exposition Boulevard in Sacramento.  A map is included below.  Gate admission is $18 per day and a three day pass can be purchased for $45.  Parking is an additional $10 per day.  Children ages 7 to 13 are $5 and 6 and under are free.  Seniors (60 years and older) are $12.  Many local tack and feed stores in California offer Expo Bucks which provides a $3 discount on the gate admission.

On Friday evening, the finals of the Magnificent 7 will be a ticketed event.  The cost is $10.  Chris Cox & Friends on Saturday evening is also $10. If you intend to partake in one of the evening shows but not visit Horse Expo that day, arrive less than an hour prior to the evening performance and you will not be charged gate admission.

As of this writing, a great deal on Horse Expo tickets is found on the daily deal site Living Social.  Daily entry passes were being discounted 50% to $9 per day.  You can view the Living Social Horse Expo Deal by clicking here.

For additional information and the latest news about the Western States Horse Expo, please visit: www.horsexpo.com or call (800) 352-2411.

Currently, this year’s line-up includes:

  • Chris Cox will present Rider Confidence, Horse Trailer Loading and Advanced Refinements
  • Jonathan Field will present phases of guiding the student on a journey to success with horses
  • Charles Wilhelm, creator of Ultimate Foundation Training that combines the best of traditional, classical and natural horsemanship, will present the Ultimate Super Horse Challenge
  • Kerry Kuhn, winner of numerous colt starting competitions and developer of the Practical Horsemanship program, will demonstrate three days of ongoing colt starting
  • Dick Pieper, NRHA Futurity Champion, NRHA Hall of Fame, cutting champion, AQHA champion, creator of The Language of Horsemanship program, will demonstrate the art of Reining
  • Deb Bennett, PhD, who over decades contributed articles on equine conformation to Equus Magazine, will lecture on equine anatomy and physiology
  • Sandy Collier, NRCHA and AQHA champion and the only woman winner of the Snaffle Bit Futurity, will demonstrate cow horse skills
  • Nancy Loving, DVM, author of numerous books about horse health, will discuss how to prevent physical and metabolic issues with the equine athlete
  • Tim Kimura, trail class expert, will present winning tips for this popular event
  • Sabine Rijssenbeek from the Netherlands, an accomplished dressage coach and competitor, will demonstrate the refinements of dressage
  • Leslie Berndl, Olympic level driving expert, will address all forms of competitive driving including dressage, cones and cross country
  • Marvin Pierce will demonstrate with his cow dogs, working dogs and ranch partner dogs, and will talk about all-around well-behaved canines
  • Carmi Weininger is a saddle fitting expert who has a flair for explaining the importance of saddle fit while the horse is standing, under saddle and in motion


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