Horsefest equine expo begins tomorrow in Springfield, Mo.

Stacy Westfall will be the headlining clinician at Horsefest in Springfield, Mo., March 30-April 1. Photo: Leslie Potter

From March 30-April 1, 2012, the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, Mo. will host equine enthusiasts from around the Midwest for the Horsefest equine expo.

A variety of clinics and demos will run over the three days. Topics include:

• Hoof care
• Defining gaits
• Saddle fitting
• Endurance riding
• Gaited mules and horses
• The problem horse
• Nutrition for insulin resistant horses

Champion reiner and popular clinician Stacy Westfall will be offering clinics throughout the weekend. Her topics include:

• Reading your horse’s body language
• Improving steering and teaching spinning
• Teaching your horse to stop, beginning to bridleless
• Teaching your horse to bow
• Basic body control
• Bridleless riding explained
• Ground driving

Outside of educational clinics, Horsefest offers equine entertainment throughout the weekend. The Rawhide and Dusty show from nearby Sullivan, Mo, features wild-west style trick riding and even pyrotechnics. The Ulitmate Horsemens Challenge Association is an obstacle competition inspired by the Extreme Cowboy Races. Cowboy mounted shooting will take place during the Horsefest Shoot-Out on both Saturday and Sunday. Finally, the Invitational NBHA Barrel Racing Showdown will feature some of the best barrel racers from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri on Saturday morning.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit www.horsefest.net.