LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Hosts Annual Equine Educational Event

BATON ROUGE–Horse owners and enthusiasts from around the region are invited to an Equine Extravaganza at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine and BREC Farr Park Horse Activity Center March 2-3, 2002.

"Equine Extravaganza: A Common Sense Approach to Horsemanship and Health Management" will offer two full days of seminars taught by nationally-known equine trainers, as well as equine health seminars and laboratories, tours and children’s activities. The joint venture between the veterinary school and educational partners, BREC and Purina Mills, Inc., introduces a new format, including group, private and semi-private riding clinics.

On March 2, Craig Cameron, former Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association cowboy, will instruct western riders from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. at LSU, covering horsemanship and breaking and handling difficult horses. He will give group riding clinics that afternoon at BREC from 2:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. Michelle Gibson, 1996 U.S. Olympic Team Dressage Bronze Medalist, will offer private and semi-private riding clinics at BREC from 7:45 a.m.-10: 45 a.m. and will teach eventing seminars at LSU from 2 p.m.-5 p.m.

LSU faculty will offer laboratories and seminars on equine lameness and equine first aid. Children’s activities will include programs on horsemanship, equine anatomy and equine breeds. Other scheduled events include an equine disaster rescue seminar, a behind-the-scenes tour of the equine clinic, display of equine health and commercial booths and silent and live auctions. Purina will provide a jambalaya lunch for participants.

On March 3, Cameron and Gibson will offer additional private and group riding clinics at BREC from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. All riding sessions with the trainers must be scheduled in advance and require an additional registration fee.

Participants are encouraged to preregister for the extravaganza, but on-site registration at LSU and BREC will begin at 7:30 a.m. March 2. Registration before February 15 is $30 for adults (16 and older), $15 for children (9-15) and $5 for children (8 and younger). Registration after February 15 is $40 for adults, $20 for children (9-15) and $10 for children (8 and younger).

All proceeds from Equine Extravaganza will benefit the LSU Equine Health Studies Program.

Registration forms and information are available at www.vetmed.lsu.edu and equine@vetmed.lsu.edu, or by calling the veterinary school at (225) 578-9900.