25th Illinois Horse Fair is the One You'll Want to See

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - With headliners Chris Cox and Yvonne Barteau; clinics by Terry Myers, Liz Graves, Scott McKinsey, Susan White, Steve Kutie, Jennifer Kotylo, Tim Boyer and many others, including Lyle East with his world-class stock dogs; Breed/Sports demonstrations; HorsesForSale; Stallion Row; shopping; and over 90 educational and informational seminars to choose from, you won't find a dull moment at the 2014 Illinois Horse Fair, March 7-9th at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield.

Don't forget to get your advance tickets to the evening show "East Meets West - An Equine Extravaganza," that promises to thrill fair goers of all ages with the magic and musicality of horses.  Produced by Kim and Yvonne Barteau, formerly with Arabian Nights, the show will feature the best of the East and the West and where they meet in the middle with a special appearance by Chris Cox.  Sponsored by Barrington Saddlery, Ariat International and Steak 'n Shake, tickets are on sale now.

You'll want to see the new Heartland Horseman's Challenge. In the "Challenge" four Illinois-based horsemen: Jud Carter (DeWitt), Gigi Iacovelli (Barrington Hills), Laurie Treber (Shirley), and Jason Forby (Goreville) will be given the opportunity to choose and work with a rescue horse, culminating in a freestyle ride and challenge course.  The horses will be available for adoption throughout the event from our Challenge partner the Hooved Animal Humane Society (HAHS) of Woodstock Illinois. Sponsored by The State House Inn, visit our website to learn more about the competitors, horses and judges for the inaugural Heartland Horseman's Challenge.

Also at the Illinois Horse Fair for 2014 see Mr. Truck from RFD's Equestrian Nation and get the latest information on how to maximize your trailer towing experience.  Mid-Rivers Equine Centre will give daily tours of their Mobile Medical Care Unit with capabilities such as lameness exams, injections, ultra-sounds, x-rays, dentistry, reproductive medicine, and standing surgeries.  The Young Riders area will feature daily activities for our future horsemen including our Queen and Princess Pageants, and the IN/IL Competitive Mounted Orienteering group will have a daily orienteering "competition."

The Illinois Horse Fair is proud to have Purina Equine Feed, Midway Trailer Sales, Illinois Farm Bureau, Kubota USA, and Green Dodge Ram Trucks as presenting sponsors.  Produced by the Horsemen's Council of Illinois with a largely volunteer workforce, the success of the Illinois Horse Fair allows HCI to advocate for equine related activities in Springfield and throughout the state for all horsemen regardless of breed or discipline.

For exhibitor information or to find out how to volunteer at the Illinois Horse Fair, contact Karen Freese, Manager, at (217) 677-2267 or kfreese@horsemenscouncil.org.