Not just horsing around
Hoof ailments, therapeutic shoeing, stick-pony races and a breed parade drew horse-lovers from around North Dakota to the NDSU 2007 Horse Fair.
The NDSU Equine Club hosted the two-day horse fair Saturday and Sunday at the horse park.
The horse fair featured workshops, vendors, “kid alley,” a petting zoo and “breed alley.”
Liz Pfeifer, a junior in equine studies and biological education, coordinated the event.
“We wanted to bring people together who love horses and to grow the horse industry,” Pfeifer said. “There is a big interest in the horse industry in North Dakota.”
The Horse Fair is unique because it is the only horse fair in North Dakota, Pfeifer said.
“It also is unique because it is put on by a bunch of horse-loving college students,” Pfeifer said. “We all want to supply the equine industry with entertainment and education, with hopes that this fair will do nothing but grow larger and more popular.”
Carrie Hammer, director of equine studies and advisor of the Equine Club, said the students put the entire event together.
Mary Eaton of Towner, N.D., taught an English Equitation workshop.
“She is working with the people on correct riding form and posture,” Hammer said.
Eaton has been a riding instructor for more than 20 years and teaches several disciplines of riding, according to the horse fair brochure.
Other speakers included Darren Buckle, John Hovde, Dr. Brad Bartholomay, Dr. Richard Bowman, Marie Erickson, Tracy Langerud and many others.
The speakers showed spectators everything from the basic elements of dressage to combined driving.
Along with clinics, the horse fair featured many vendors. Some of them were AA Tack Shop, Minnie Whinnies, Pet Care Systems, Fargo Tractor, Denim and Diamonds and Casselton Veterinary Service Inc.
A few of the vendors also held presentations on the businesses and how they help horses and riders.
Bartholomay, a veterinarian from Casselton Veterinary Services, held a workshop demonstrating equine chiropractics and acupuncture.
Laura Farrell, a senior in mass communication, boards her horse named Jax at the horse park. Jax recently had a chiropractic appointment. Farrell said everyone should have the appointments for the sake of their horse.
“Even though the appointment wasn’t with Bartholomay, he is healthier now that he had the adjustment,” Farrell said. “He moves better, his coat is shinier and he is happier.”
During the horse fair, spectators were also able to look at and pet different breeds of horses. Some of the breeds featured were Andalusian, Morgan, Norwegian Dole, Warmblood and Percheron.
“Some of the breeds came from a specific breed ranch and others are owned by NDSU students,” Pfeifer said.
Pfeifer said she hopes the horse fair continues every year and that the horse industry in North Dakota continues to grow.