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Horse World Expo to Showcase Pennsylvania's Equine Industry

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Equine enthusiasts can saddle up for the seventh annual Pennsylvania Horse World Expo, Feb. 26 - March 1, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center inHarrisburg.

"Our diverse equine industry significantly impactsPennsylvania's economy, contributing $10 billion annually and providing more than 20,000 jobs," said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff. "The Horse World Expo showcases this essential industry, treating the public to the best in equine technology, education and entertainment."

The expo features the nation's leading equestrian clinicians and entertainers, hosting educational seminars and exciting programs, including:

    --  "Theatre Equus, A Musical Equine Revue" is a professionally
        choreographed and scripted show in which people and horses partner to
        perform various stunts.  Shows will take place at 8:30 p.m. Friday and
        Saturday.
    --  In "The Wind Rider Equestrian Challenge" adult riders from any
        discipline compete in a four-to-five part course to qualify for the
        final round - the chance to be paired with a star clinician and the
        championship title. Preliminary rounds start at noon on Thursday, 10
        a.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. on Saturday.  Finals will begin at 11 a.m.
        Sunday.
    --  The Canadian Cowgirls are an elite rodeo-style precision drill team. 
        The group will host seminars on drill team, trick and musical riding at
        1 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
    --  Trick trainer Tommie Turvey Jr., a well-known entertainer and clinician
        who trains horses to attempt dangerous stunts, will present daily
        clinics.
    --  Matt McLaughlin, former head trainer of the Royal Lipizzaner Stallions
        and classical dressage rider, trains piaffe, passage and Haute Ecole
        using Natural Horsemanship techniques and English riding disciplines and
        will present daily clinics.

More than 500 vendors will be in attendance, including the Pennsylvania State Horse and Harness Racing commissions. The commissions are regulatory bodies within the Department of Agriculture that oversee thoroughbred and harness racing and pari-mutuel activities inPennsylvania.

The commissions also oversee the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes - a program recognizing the best standardbred horses sired in the state - and the Harness and Thoroughbred Breeders funds, which rewards the breeders of top horses inPennsylvania.

"The addition of gaming to racetracks has increased purses for the Sire Stakes and Breeders funds, providing unprecedented support for the future of the state's equine industry," said Wolff.

Since the passage of Act 71 in 2004, which added slot machine gaming to racetracks, the sire stakes and breeders fund purses have more than doubled and are expected to continue growing.

Pennsylvania is home to three standardbred racetracks - the Meadows inWashington County, Pocono Downs inLuzerne County and Harrah's Chester Downs inDelaware County - and three thoroughbred tracks - Philadelphia Park, Penn National inDauphin County, and Presque Isle Downs inErie.

Pennsylvania Horse World Expo hours are noon to 8 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday; and 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday.

Daily admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 7-12. Children under age seven are admitted free. Tickets for the Theatre Equus start at $12 and are available at the show while supplies last. Parking is $5.

For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.horseworldexpo.com. For more information on the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and click on "Commissions and Councils."

    CONTACT: Nicole L. C. Bucher
    (717) 787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture