Tri-State Neighbor: South Dakota Farm Newspaper

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The 18th annual South Dakota Horse Fair, sponsored by the South Dakota Horse Council, Inc., will be held again this year at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds Expo Building March 14-16 in Sioux Falls, S.D.

This unique expo promotes and showcases all breeds and aspects of the horse industry. Featured presenters include Josh Lyons and Monty Bruce. This dynamic duo will show spectators the finer points of working with a horse and getting them to perform to their highest ability.

This horse fair will present Laura Hicks, with sheep dog demonstrations, at 10 a.m. March 15 and 16. Hicks is from southwestern South Dakota and is currently serving on the board of directors of the U.S. Border Collie Association and a very successful competitor in sheep dog finals.

Featured speakers and demonstrators will include equine lawyer, Katy Bloomquist. Bloomquist is recognized as a leader in animal law and equine law, a frequent speaker at the National Equine Law Conference in Kentucky and California.

Darrell Bilke, CEO of the Pinto Horse Association of America, will discuss horse industry trends. South Dakota Game Fish & Parks department officials will discuss equine use in the state parks. Steve Tornberg, DVM, will present animal health issues. Susan Reenders of the South Dakota Animal Industry Board, will present a lecture at 2:30 p.m. March 15.

Entertainers for the event include Jackie Bird and the Bird Band with three appearances each day, and Pat Meade, western balladeer, appearing twice each day.

The horse fair has something for everyone. It kicks off the evening of March 14 with the TM Schultz Stallion Versatility Contest at 6 p.m. This event will show off the many talents of stallions from different breeds. They will compete in five different events at which they will be judged.

Gates open at 8:30 a.m. March 15 and will be packed with demonstrations and lectures on different breeds, saddle fitting and horse health. For the younger horse enthusiast, there will be a hippology and judging contest, plus a horse safety training for all ages. All these youth activities will be held in the Armory at the north end of the Fairgrounds. A ranch rodeo will round out the day starting at 5 p.m.

Activities on March 16 will start with a church service at 9 a.m., followed by other educational presentations on all aspects of horses.

The region's largest trade show will be open all three days to buy anything needed for you and your horse.

Admission for March 14 will be $3 for those 6 years old and older. Admission for March 15 and 16 will be $6 for adults, $4 for youth (6-13) and children 5 and younger get in free.

For more contact information and a complete schedule, visit the Web site at www.sdhorsefair.com.

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