FORWARDING: Non-stop Horse Events at Northeast Equine Expo, Memorial Weekend

Media Release   May 10, 2010 For Release: Immediately   Contact: Myrna Walsh Myrna@neequineexpo.com
Non-stop Horse Events at Northeast Equine Expo, Memorial Weekend

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Elmont, NY)  Rescued horses and equine movie stars, along with dozens of clinics and demonstrations, make for a family-friendly Memorial Weekend at Belmont Park.

 

The horse stars of the Disney movies Hidalgo and soon-to-be released Secretariat will perform at Northeast Equine Expo, the largest equine expo on Long Island, at prestigious Belmont Park, May 29-30.

 

The movie is based on a true story of a legendary horse in 1973 which was crowned as the first US Triple Crown champion in 25 years at Belmont Park Racetrack. The staring horse will appear with Rex Peterson, his Hollywood trainer.  Peterson also trained the equine stars of The Horse Whisperer, Black Beauty, Dreamer, The Ring, and Hidalgo.  He will show how his patient training produces thrilling performances from these equine stars.

 

Also at the Expo, Oscar, one of the Hidalgo stars, will pose for pictures and sign his personal “autograph.”  Tori Lockhart, 15, was given Oscar when Hidalgo’s screenwriter saw how closely she and the horse bonded.  The original Hidalgo was a Colonial Spanish Mustang, one of the oldest and rarest breeds in the Americas. Stephanie Lockhart, active in preserving the breed, will present two of her Spanish Mustangs, giving visitors a chance to see America’s first horse.

 

Jessica Walsh, Expo President, said, “This is a perfect way for families to enjoy a weekend of wholesome entertainment that will appeal to all ages.  For horse enthusiasts as well as people looking for a different experience, Expo will feature dozens of breeds, continuous demonstrations of equine sports, and hundreds of vendors of horse-related equipment and gifts.”

 

Natural Horseman trainer Sonny Garguilo has challenged other trainers to a competition at the Expo.  Garguilo, who has appeared on the covers of leading horse journals, will show how the perfect relationship is one that is based on mutual trust.  Born in Brooklyn, Sonny first rode ponies in Coney Island.  Today he’s one of the country’s leading Natural Horseman trainers.  He helps train wild Mustangs so they will find homes, instead of being slaughtered.  In four days, he gently trained and rode a never-ridden, mud-caked Mustang, just off the Plains.

 

At the Expo, he will give clinics on working through the most difficult problems.  Along with his horse and partner, Sis, he will show how much can be achieved when the rider becomes a partner, not a passenger.

 

Among the full days of demonstrations and clinics are:

·        Ron Postleb of Crown Dressage International, one of the foremost dressage riders in the nation, will give free riding clinics. 

·         The Spirit of Long Island, a highly acclaimed precision drill team, and massed mounted units from Nassau County will put on stirring shows.

·        Meadowbrook Polo Club of Long Island, the oldest in the nation, will show how polo is played.           

·        Jumping demonstrations by Cindy Laskow  and dressage by Lorraine Burke will shows the athleticism, grace and intelligence of horses.

·        Tina McBride and Patricia Barbato will demonstrate their horses’ tremendous agility as they guide them through circles, spins, and sliding stops in the sport of reining.

·        A spectacular Parade of Horses will be held on Sunday, May 30.

·        Susan Richards, New York Times best-selling author of Chosen By a Horse, will read from memoir about her love for a rescued racehorse

 

Between events, families can picnic on Belmont’s manicured grounds.  Belmont also has a duck pond and playground for children.

 

All Long Island students from 5 to 16 are invited to the art competition, based on the theme, Horses Bring Us Joy.  Prizes will be awarded to the winners in three age categories: 5-8, 9-12, and 13-16.

 

Jessica Walsh, said “We are proud to partner with outstanding organizations like the New York Racing Association, Inc.”

 

Walsh said, “For a brief shining moment, formerly abused horses will parade on the same track as their multi-million dollar cousins. We appreciate NYRA, along with Amaryllis Farms and Project Sage Horse Rescue, for giving these horses the opportunity to find their forever home.

 

“We are also honored to have Ronald McDonald House, many other charities, and horse rescue associations participating in our event. 

 

Tickets, $18 for one day, and $25 for both days, are available online at neequineexpo.com and at Belmont Park. Participating charities are offering members a special code that entitles them to discounted admission. Part of these ticket sales will be donated back to the charity.

 

Children under age 10, Boy and Girl Scouts in uniform, as well as active members of the armed forces with identification will be admitted without charge.

 

For more information about Expo schedule, exhibitors, and tickets, please call (877) 778-EXPO or click on clinics or tickets tabs at NeEquineExpo.com

 

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