equine news

First annual Arizona Equine Youth & Career Fair is on Oct. 3 and 4

July 29, 2009

QUEEN CREEK – The first annual Arizona Equine Youth & Career Fair is on Oct. 3 and 4, at the Horseshoe Equestrian Park in Queen Creek, Arizona. The Arizona Equine Youth & Career Fair is a two day horse event for all young horse enthusiasts, featuring breed demonstrations, special educational demos on horse related topics, interactive clinics where you can participate in areas of horse care and entertaining presentations by horse professionals.

The Arizona Equine Youth & Career Fair will feature the first ever Arizona State Career Day. Sponsored by the Arizona Horsemen’s Association and the AAEC High School will be a series on equine careers. Meet with high school, community college, and university equine program representatives and explore 13 exciting careers with experts in the following agribusiness and equine professions:

Equine Veterinarian/Dentist
Equine Massage/Acupressure Therapist
Equine Attorney/Paralegal
Equine Science And Health – Research
Equine Products Sales and Marketing
Equestrian Fashion Designer/Manufacturer
Horse Show Management and Judging
Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Equine Trainer
Equine Nutritionist
Equine Journalism/Book Author
Equine Photography/Art
Website/Graphic Layout Design
Learn about available college scholarships!
If you are interested in a career in the horse industry, this is the event for you!

The Breed Showcase
The Breed Showcase is one of the most popular events at the festival. Many different breeds present their horses for the public to see and enjoy the special talents of their particular horse. Each showcase has a hospitality area and stalls for you to come after each arena presentation to see the horses and have the opportunity to talk to the owners. Many of these horse and riders are in native costume and ride to music. All presentations talk about the history of their breed of horse.

Interactive clinics you can participate in
In an effort to promote the creative learning process we have developed clinics that feature different facets of horse care which allow children hands on interaction with horses. We believe this builds self confidence and enhances the desire for learning. Each presentation is arranged for small groups of children to hear about and actually help with that particular clinic.

You must register for clinics; there are a limited number of participants ($5 additional fee to participate in a clinic).

Interactive Clinic topics:
Grooming – Learn the proper steps on how to groom a horse.
Tack – Kids can learn about the tack used to ride/lead a horse and proper tack care.
Touch – This session gives the kids an opportunity to pet a horse.
Breed Showcase – Learn about the many different breeds, talk to the owners of these great horses.

Massage – Learn how to properly massage a horse.

First Aid & Safety – Learn all about safety and then bandage a horse and know when to call a vet.

A new and up and coming sport in the equine industry is Horse Soccer. This year the Arizona Youth Horse Soccer Team will be hosting a soccer match at the Youth Fair! Pick a team to cheer for while the horses kick the ball trying to make a goal. We will also have instructions on how to get into this new and exciting sport.

The Haviland Shires are six beautiful draft horses, adorned in shiny harnesses and pulling a wagon. This is sure to be a favorite at the fair as these gentle giants show their unbelievable power and strength. In contrast, the Arizona Mini Mystiques will perform a precision drill to music. After the performance you can meet them in person.

There will be special demonstrations by the Golden West Cowgirls, Sammi Briggs, Maricopa County 4-H Drill Team and more!

Event hours for the Arizona Equine Youth & Career Fair are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3 and 4.

One admission ticket provides access to all events including breed demonstrations, instructional seminars, equine entertainment and career fair. Interactive clinics are $5 each by advance reservation prior to Sept. 1. Daily admission is $15; tickets for children 5 and under are $5. Tickets include lunch. Attendees of the fair are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. At the event, cash only will be accepted at the gate. No dogs are allowed.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the Arizona Equine Youth & Career Fair go to www.festivalofhorses.com or call 602-354-4675. To volunteer at the event sign up at www.festivalofhorses.com/youthFair/volunteerSignUp.php.