March/April 2024 Issue

Page 44 March/April 2024 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN Marketing and Events Coordina- tor for a statewide industry lobby- ing organization and worked for the New York State Senate. She has also graduated from several leadership programs. Visit Theresa Canfield at the Lucky Star Horsemanship booth 615. Mounted Games Across America All About Mounted Games (Sat., 1 pm, Seminar Hall B) Speed Games Demonstration (Sat., 3 pm, Equine Arena) Mounted Games Across America consists of a variety of very fast relay races per- formed by excellent riders on well-trained ponies. Geared to riders of all ages and skill levels, Mounted Games riders develop a high degree of athletic ability, instinctive riding skills, and hand- to-eye coordination. Equestrians of all ages and skills are welcome to come join us for the most fun you can have on horseback. For more information email mgaainfo @mountedgames.org . Visit Mounted Games Across America at Booth 721. Opening Ceremonies, Parade of Breeds & Exhibitions (Thurs. 12:05 pm, Fri. 10:05 am, Sun., 9:05 am, Equine Arena; Sat., 9:05 am, Large Arena) With a mix of horsemanship and patriotism, Horse World Expo will open each day to the National Anthem, flags and a thrilling display of drill team horsemanship and carriage racing. The Parade of Breeds features exciting and educational demonstrations of many different breeds, highlighting the beauty and versatility of the horse. Parade of Breeds & Exhibitions (Thurs., 12:10 pm, 4:10 pm & 7 pm; Fri., 10:10 am, 1:10 pm & 7 pm, Sat., 4:10 pm & 7 pm, Sun., 9:10 am, 11:10 am & 4 pm, Equine Arena; Sat., 9:10 am, Large Arena) The Parade of Breeds fea- tures exciting and educational demonstrations of many different breeds, highlighting the beauty and versatility of the horse. This year’s breeds include Arabian, Australian Stock Horse, Clydes- dale, Fjord, Friesian, Gypsy, Icelandic, Lusitano, Missouri Fox Trotter, Morgan, Mustang, Paso Fino, Standardbred, Thorough- bred, TN Walking Horse, Spotted Saddle Horse and others. Curtis Pierce Driving Cones & Obstacle Exercises (Fri., 10:05 am, Large Arena) Driving Safely (Sun., 2 pm, Seminar Hall B) (Theatre Equus performer) For over 30 years Curtis has worked with many trainers, instructors and breeds, develop- ing a great foundation for training horses to drive and ride. As a professional technical instructor, he can apply the right techniques to better relate the information and skills needed to drive and ride. Curtis has trained, coached and competed in pleasure and combined driving competitions, judged pleasure driving shows and combination schooling shows. See Curtis Pierce at the Deep Creek Farm Fjords booth S7. Dawn Samuelson What is Your Emotional Coat; Overcoming Anxiety & Stress (Fri., 4 pm, Seminar Hall A) How Horses Help Overcome PTSD (Sun., 2 pm, Seminar Hall A) A Colorado State Univer- sity graduate with a degree in Animal Science, Dawn has presented at Equine Affaire, Can-Am Expo, and National Horseman’s Association events. The Founder/Executive Director of the National Equine Institute of Growth through Healing, Inc. (N.E.I.G.H.), a 501c3 nonprof- it organization, she has been featured on Lifetime TV, Military Makeover with Montel Williams, and on the cover of Country Woman magazine. She is a 30- year volunteer firefighter, Mobile Crisis worker, member of the Critical Incident Stress Manage- ment Team, former officer of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s De- partment mounted division, and advocate for suicide prevention. Visit Dawn Samuelson at the N.E.I.G.H Equine Assisted Thera- py booth 432. Leigha Schrader Horses With Choices; What Is Liberty Work (Fri., 4 pm, Round Pen Arena) Having Fun With Your Miniature Horse (Sat., 10 am, Round Pen Arena) Leigha began her journey with horses in 2009 as a vol- unteer with Days End Farm Horse Rescue. After interning under DEFHR’s head trainer, Sara Strauss, she was hired as DEFHR’s assistant horse trainer. Leigha gains inspiration from working with other nationally regarded trainers like Tara Jones, Scott Purdum, Luke Gingerich and Trevor Carter. She special- izes in liberty horsemanship, colt starting, and trick work and assists with adoptions and de- ploys with DEFHR’s emergency response team. She is best known for her liberty performances with Vinni the Mini, who was an equine ambassador for horses everywhere and an alumnus of DEFHR’s rehabilitation program. Visit Leigha Schrader at the Days End Farm Horse Rescue booth S16. Rick Shaffer Trail Horse Testing Program (Sat., 3 pm, Round Pen Arena) Rick is the full-time trainer at R&S Paso Fino Stables and a recorded USEF judge, certified judge for the Paso Fino Horse Assoc., equine clinician who tailors clinics for clients, Paso Fino professional trainer and 4-H leader. He is the founder of the Trail Horse Test program, which is designed to enhance and promote the skills of trail riders and their horses. Rick’s teaching ensures that owners have the skills and confidence to build and maintain the all-im- portant bond with their horses which will serve them well in all equine pursuits. See Rick Shaffer at the Mason Dixon Paso Fino Horse Assoc. booth B3. Danielle Smarsh, PhD, PAS Spring Care Tips for Horses (Thurs., 5 pm, Seminar Hall B) Danielle is an Assistant Professor of Equine Science and Equine Extension Specialist in the Department of Animal Science at Penn State who spent 4.5 years teaching in the Animal Science Department at the Uni- versity of Wisconsin-River Falls. She received her BS in Animal Science from the University of Delaware and her PhD in Equine Exercise Physiology from Rutgers University. Her equine research studied the effects of age and training on antioxidants and oxidative stress in Standard- breds. Visit Danielle Smarsh, PhD, PAS Penn State Ext. Equine Program booth 608, 609. Dr. Rebecca Splan Matchmaking; Choose the Right Stallion for Your Mare (Sat., noon, Seminar Hall B) Dr. Splan is a Professor of Equine Science & Management at Delaware Valley University. She has a BS in Animal Science from Michigan State Universi- ty and a Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Animal Breeding and Genetics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Previously she taught equine and animal science at the University of Minnesota, Sul Ross State University, and Virginia Tech, where she also directed its nationally recognized sport horse breeding program. She has served on the Board of Directors for the International Sporthorse Registry/Oldenburg Registry North America, the Virginia Arabian Horse Associa- tion, and the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, and is also a USDF Bronze Medalist and “L” Program graduate with honors. She competes regionally and na- tionally in AQHA Ranch Riding events. Visit Dr. Rebecca Splan at the Penn State Ext. Equine Pro- gram booth 608, 609. (Continued from page 40) (Continued on page 45)