The Mane Event - Bigger and Better!
Chilliwack’s Heritage Park will be “busting” at the seams with this year’s Mane Event which runs October 21 – 23. Organizers say that interest and participation in the Equine Education & Trade Fair, only in its second year, is exceeding expectations.
“It seems that not just the locals are getting excited about the mane event, but the whole equine industry,” says a spokesperson, noting that there have been inquiries from exhibitors as far away as Ontario, Alabama and Arizona as well as Alberta, B.C., Washington State and Oregon. “Advance ticket sales and bookings for camping space are phenomenal.”
Over 150 trade show exhibitors and over 80 hours of clinics and demonstrations by such notables as US Equestrian Team Dressage Competitor and Trainer Jane Savoie, Canadian Olympic Show Jumper Beth Underhill, Tim “the Trail Man” Kimura, World Level Trail Course Designer and Competitor, and Richard Shrake, World and National Show judge for AQHA, APHA, and ApHa. Also scheduled to present equine education clinics are Peggy Cummings (Connected Riding), Robyn Hood (TTeam), Jim McCrae (JRJ Trail Horsemanship Packing), Hugh McLennan (Ranch Horse & Spirit of the West Radio Host) Rick Wheat (Horsemanship), April Reeves (Horse Business) and many more.
A new exciting addition to this year’s Expo, and gaining a lot of attention, is the Trainer’s Challenge featuring three trainers, three judges – and one winner! Top Canadian trainers Chris Irwin, Doug Mills and Jay O’Jay will showcase their skills over 2½ days in four round pen sessions leading to a final showdown and showcase Sunday afternoon in the arena. Spectators have the opportunity to watch and learn from some of the best horse trainers in Canada. The Douglas Lake Ranch horses have been hand picked and have some great bloodlines including Peppy San, King Leo Bar, Doc O’Lena and more. The trainers will receive bonded bronze sculptures donated by Diane Anderson of Tymarc Art Studio.
Demonstrations and entertaining performances as well as an extensive and expanded equine trade fair will provide more than enough to keep the horse enthusiast busy over the 3-days of the Mane Event. Visitors should be sure to bring their Christmas shopping list because the equine trade fair will be an equestrian’s dream shopping experience with everything from bits to boots and tack to trailers and beyond. Look for new products being introduced for the first time at the Mane Event. Exhibitors are coming from all over BC, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. Sponsors include sponsors The Gaitpost, Pinnacle Pellets, Kubota, Avenue Machinery, Fold A Tools, Schleese Saddlery Service, Horse Council BC and JR FM.
Besides coming to the Mane Event to take in all the activity horse enthusiasts have an opportunity to become more intimately involved by becoming a volunteer. Visit the website for additional details.
Advance tickets are available at the following locations: The Mill Store – Chilliwack, The Dog & Pony Shop – Ladner, Roddick Feed & Farm Supply – Delta and Greenhawk – Langley. An order form is also available on the Mane Event website which can be mailed with payment. Weekend passes - $25.00 adults & $15.00 youths; Daily passes - $10.00 adults & $6.00 youths.
Visit www.maneeventexpo.com for additional details on the Expo (including a full list of clinicians) or contact the Mane Event at (250) 578-7518.