Mane event opens in Red Deer

The Mane Event horse expo and trade fair returned to Westerner Park Friday for its annual weekend of clinics, presentations and demonstrations by top international equine clinicians. Attendees can also visit 230 exhibitors who are offering their equine products and services at the 115,000 sq. ft. trade show.

The Mane Event, well known for its focus on offering education to a wide range of interests in the equine community, has again brought in top international clinicians. National Finals Rodeo veteran Gary Leffew of California is on the schedule to conduct bull riding clinics and presentations, a first for the Mane Event.

Also in the line-up is Mette Rosencrantz (dressage), Canadian show jumping competitor and former Olympian Jay Hayes, Dana Hokana (Western pleasure and horsemanship), Arizona horseman Al Dunning (reining, cutting and horsemanship), Hardy Zantke (driving), Gigi Bailey (hunter under saddle) and Bobby Richards (gaited horses). Clinician Robyn Hood and gifted horseman, teacher and presenter Jonathan Field, a regular at the Mane Event, are also on the schedule.

Show organizers said that over 25 4-H groups were planning to bring their members to the Event. Our show is education. It's not entertainment, although it is very entertaining to be at. It is always fun to learn when you are having fun.

The Trainers Challenge got underway with this year's contenders having their first training session in the round pen with an unbroke three-year-old gelding they drew for. Up first was Patrick Hooks of Oklahoma, was first in the ring, followed by Doug Mills, well-known BC-based trainer and three-time champion at the Mane Event in Chilliwack, BC. Champion Bronc rider Mel Hyland, who has been one of the Trainers Challenge judges at the Mane Event for the past two years, is now on the "fun side of the fence."

"This is what we do for a living so in reality it will be easier for me to be on the inside of this fence than it is sitting there trying to judge someone else doing it," said Hyland. "I like it because it's a challenge for myself. It's also an opportunity to share with people the stuff I believe in."

The Mane Event offers a full 13 hours of activity Saturday, The day ends with the Equine Experience featuring drill teams, breed parades and entertaining demonstrations.