The staff of the Equine Experience invites California’s horsemen to join them April 4-6 at the Event Center in Paso Robles for a hands on horse fair; or as Maureen Rudnick, co-founder of the expo is fond of calling it, the “boutique” of horse expos.
“This is our fifth year and we have gotten rave reviews so far,” says Maureen. “The Equine Experience is very different from most of the larger equine expos – where you seldom talk or interact with the clinicians and you don’t get to see half the vendors – you just go one day and try to jam everything in. The Equine Experience is very hands on and personal; the audience members are an important part of the clinics and demos, and the clinicians spend a lot of time interacting with the crowd.”
Maureen says it is not unusual to see several of the clinicians out to dinner together after the expo. In fact, it’s not unusual for restaurants to have to serve groups of 40 or more people – after all, where the clinicians go, the crowd follows. Many horsemen bring their families with them and organize mini vacations around the Equine Experience. The Central Coast, which many refer to as “God’s Country,” is known for its lush, rolling hills which house some of California’s finest wineries, golf courses and spas, as well as several antique malls, art galleries, miles of hiking trails and numerous locations for fishing.
After attending the Equine Experience, clinician Chris Cox fell in love with Paso Robles and now returns several times a year. One of the United States’ leading horsemen and clinicians, Chris will be returning for this year’s expo. Chris will be joining Kerry Kuhn, host of Best of America by Horseback; retired professional farrier Gene Armstrong, an instructor of Farrier Science at Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo for 25 years; Bob Avila, two time winner of the World’s Greatest Horsemen Contest; and Richard Winters, the 2007 winner of the Extreme Equine Experience Colt Starting Contest and the 2007 Monty Roberts Equestrian of the Year winner, who will be doing a three part series, Problem Solving for Your Horse.
“Once again we have a great group of clinicians,” says Maureen. “One of the new clinicians joining us this year is Patrick Hooks. He is coming all the way from Oklahoma and is one of a very select group of horsemen that is endorsed by Western Horsemen Magazine. Pat has been part of previous tours with the American Quarter Horse Association. He has a very old, traditional vaquero style with a gentle twist. We’re very pleased to welcome him and several other new clinicians this year.”
Think Bloomingdales!
If a horseman were to get bored watching all the clinics, round penning demos, ranch horse competitions, team penning and down the trail champions, there is always more to do at the 2008 Equine Experience – like shopping.
“You aren’t going to come across 10 booths all with the same thing,” explains Maureen. “I tell people to think of our expo as going to Nordstroms instead of Walmart; there is still a large selection, but the merchandise is a bit more unique.”
In addition to all the returning favorites like Jan’s Custom Tack, Saddles & Silver, California Riding Magazine or Saddle Rack Systems Plus, several new vendors are making their Equine Experience début. Hatmaker Kaycee Orr, founder of Bar None Hat Company, learned her trade from the legendary hat maker Susie Orr, former owner of Greeley Hat Works. Kaycee only attends a few shows a year, and this year she’s adding the Equine Experience to her elite list.
Maureen describes Kaycee Orr, “She is just amazing. She can completely change the look and shape of a hat within minutes, right in front of you. She also makes the most beautiful custom felt hats. Any size, shape or color you desire, Kaycee can make it.”
Another distinguished favorite is custom chap maker and trick roper, Dave Thornbury of Calabasas Saddlery. Dave has fashioned chaps for many of the United States’ most celebrated cowboys: Tom Selleck, Tye Murray and more.
“We don’t take just any vendor that wants to attend. We have to feel that they offer an especially good quality product at reasonable prices. We try to bring in a wide variety of vendors with products in every price range, that way there is something for everyone.”
There will also be a huge selection of horse trailers for sale and on display at the expo; including, but not limited to, Sundowner, Circle J, Logan and Elite.
A Must See Horse Sale
Of all the things Equine Experience offers California horsemen at their expo, one of the events they pride themselves on most is their Select Horse Auction. A premier event at the Equine Experience, the sale offers only the finest ranch horses, rope horses, reined cow horses, trail horses, broodmares and foals.
“Not every horse is accepted,” explains Maureen. “Only 75 to 90 horses will actually make it to the auction block, some horses just don’t make the cut. Before a horse is accepted they go through a very thorough screening process. We talk with the current owner, and either see the horses ourselves or view a video of them. Then at the sale there is another screening, and if we don’t think the horse is right in some way, we’ll pull it.”
Sale horses arrive Friday morning so buyers can get a sneak peek, and many of the horses will be competing in events throughout the weekend. Maureen encourages prospective buyers to visit the horses and talk with their owners at the barn. Respected professional horseman and pedigree reader, John E. Johnson, will be studying each horse during previews throughout Saturday. The actual auction kicks off Saturday evening in the indoor arena with a trick rope demonstration by Dave Thornbury, and nationally known auctioneer Trent Stewart will be calling the auction.
Whether a rider is just beginning or an experienced professional, Maureen says there is a horse for every level of rider at the auction. “I think it is one of the best sale auctions on the West Coast. We have some broodmares and foals, but most of these horses are athletic, well-trained horses that have been ranched on. These are horses you can work a cow on or safely take on a trail. There is one horse we’re selling that I describe as ‘having seen more ranches than some cowboys have.’”
Maureen encourages people to call ahead and describe what traits they are seeking in a horse. The Equine Experience team has set people aside to serve as “personal shoppers,” and they can help prospective buyers narrow their search to five horses that best fit their criteria -- price, experience, bloodlines, etc.
A catalog will be available at the event, and all sale horses will be listed on their website by March 20.
For more information on the Equine Experience visit them online at www.equineexperience.net. To purchase tickets visit www.vallitix.com.
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