A horse, a horse, a horse, of course; EXPO opens Friday in Crowley

The Louisiana Equine Council’s 8th Annual Horse EXPO will be held in Crowley on March 21-23 at the Rice Arena.
The event provides horse owners with clinics, demonstrations and competitions.
New for 2014 will be the “Challenge of the Breeds” which will include a youth, non-pro and open rider on each team. Five breeds, (Quarter Horse, Paint, Appaloosa, Arabians and Thoroughbred) will compete for bragging rights as the most versatile breed. The teams will compete in iumping, barrel racing, pattern work and an obstacle course. Each team will have a freestyle opportunity to demonstrate abilities unique to each breed of horse.
Clinics and demonstrations will be held for roping, dressage, jumping and working with mules. The jumping clinic will be conducted Friday night by Michael Radich, followed by a jumping competition. Up to 20 people will be accepted into the clinic. To sign up, call Michael Radich at 716-830-7419.
Saturday’s programs will begin with a jumping demonstration.
Saturday afternoon will be highlighted by a roping demonstration and clinic. Expert roper and renowned clinician Jade Conner will hold the clinic to include roping, tying, and horse training techniques. The first 20 youth participants will be accepted free into the clinic portion of the program. To sign up, call Bill Bunton at (318) 442-3730.
A silent auction will be held as an LEC fundraiser. Among the two dozen items offered will be a handmade knife, a guided wilderness camping trip for four, riding lessons, arts and craft items, a horsemanship session with an area trainer, and breeding to a stud of local acclaim.
Sunday will start with a cowboy church presented by horse clinician Fran Hancock. Bethany Edler and Chuck Latiolais will give a demonstration and clinic on training mules.
Also Sunday will be a dressage demonstration by Nancy Burba. The demonstration will include dressage horses at all levels of experience.
A special kids’ corral program will be presented throughout the EXPO to give hands-on experience to youngsters, and several mini horses will be present for children.
Educational booths and displays. Anyone wanting to purchase booth space can call Cathy Rodriguez-Brownson at (504) 256-9863. Cost is $100 for the weekend.
For a complete schedule, go to www.laequinecouncil.com. Major sponsors for the event include the Louisiana Land Bank, Louisiana Farm Bureau, Ranch Outlet, and Maurice Vet.
The Rice Arena is located at 159 Cherokee Drive, Crowley.