Top national clinicians join equine educators and 140 vendors offering all things for the equestrian – from recreational horsemen to professionals – at the 24th annual Illinois
Horse Fair.

Produced by Horsemen's Council of Illinois (HCI), the all-breed expo annually attracts more than 10,000 horsemen.

In addition to learning training techniques from experts, Horse Fair gives attendees access to unique HorsesForSale aisles, breed and sport demonstrations, Stallion Row and Parade and the All-Youth Horse Judging Trials.

Guy McLean believes that the best tools in horsemanship are ‘Knowledge, Compassion, Patience and Imagination” and in using these, many a fine partnership has been formed. Since 1999, Guy and his equine team (led by Nugget for 12 years) performed all over Australia at every major equine event and agricultural show. Guy was named an official ‘Ambassador of the Outback’ and through his performances of horsemanship, bush poetry and whip cracking, he has helped to keep the traditions of the bush and the true Aussie stockman, alive. He has won ‘Equitana’s’, ‘Way of the Horse’ young horse starting competition and has been acclaimed by his fans and Australian dignitaries alike as a national treasure and living legend. Now based in Texas, Guy and his “team” are on tour of the United States.

Details on Guy McLean’s sessions

Tracy Porter and her Paso Fino stallion Caz have been featured clinicians at many horse fairs across the United States and Canada and have competed and won in various disciplines from Craig Cameron’s Extreme Cowboy Races to distance rides. Involved in many equine disciplines, she’s shown that the only limits we have are those that we’ve placed on ourselves.

Tracy brings fun, common sense and a sense of humor to foundation training. A good teacher knows the student needs to understand “why” as much as “how” in order to truly comprehend. Lessons also have to be simple but still be progressive. By keeping the “H” in Horse: heart, humbleness and hope, she’ll show you that the joy of horse ownership is the journey, not the blue ribbon. Tracy stresses common sense training and principles that apply to all horses and riders 100% of the time.

Details on Tracy Porter’s sessions

Terry Myers is a leading trainer, instructor and national clinician with experience which spans over 40 years. His Ride-in-Sync™ horsemanship philosophy is training which incorporates work with both horse and rider to achieve balanced movements. His instruction has helped equine enthusiasts of all disciplines across the nation learn how their body positions affect their horses' performances. Myers was the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association coach for the Ohio Wesleyan University Equestrian Team for 13 years. Myers has hosted clinics and demonstrations at horse expos across the U.S. and Canada as well as the West Point Military Academy. At more than 25 clinics each year, Terry Myers helps horse owners understand how to create a better. more confident partnership with their horse. Myers is available for training sessions, clinics, and interviews, to share his message with horse owners of all disciplines. Built on years of proven experience, it is Terry Myers' great pleasure to share his knowledge with horse enthusiasts around the country.

Details on Terry Myers' sessions

Indy O'Connor is a horseman, clinician, and native of Illinois that has been helping horses and people throughout the Midwest since 2004. Indy believes the horse to be his greatest teacher, and has developed his method to connect with their gentle and noble spirit. By understanding leadership as a partnership, Indy helps horse owners to connect with their horses in a way that leads to balance, unity and peace.

Indy's approach helps riders of all disciplines discover that when they allow the horse room to move and time to learn, they build a relationship based on trust. They find that not only do their relationships with their horses improve, but they discover that they have been personally transformed as well. Indy has ridden in the Parelli program and with Buck Brannaman. Indy's honest approach stresses balance, timing and developing a soft feel. Indy draws his inspiration from the likes of Tom Dorance, Ray Hunt and Buck Brannaman from whom Indy has learned that fine horsemanship is a beautiful dance between horse and human.

Details on Indy O'Connor's sessions

Horse Fair opens on Friday at 9:00 a.m. when the Commercial Exhibitors will be ready to sell their products in the new location at the Exhibition Hall!

Gates will be open and wristbands can be purchased at the gates. Be sure and watch for new parking locations for spectators. A Handicap area is designated for easy access at the north west side of the Expo Hall.

Training demonstrations will start with clinics and training demo sessions in both the Coliseum and the Livestock Center. We will be updating the schedule as we plan our 2013 year. Remember our theme is "Horses through History, Past, Present and Future"!

Info on All-Youth Horse Judging Trials

Clinic riders will learn from leading trainers in two-hour arena sessions Saturday and Sunday. Fees range from $150 - $200. The public may audit the sessions with a general admission ticket to
Horse Fair.

• Reining Clinic
More info/application

• Barrel Racing Clinic
More info/application

• All-Breed Gaited Riding Clinic
More info/application

they go about providing first aid for horses. Also there will be a discussion regarding body condition scoring and what it means for your horse. Saturday only in the Carriage Room of Barn 18.

Want to know exactly how a horseshoer approaches balance and conformation as it pertains to proper hoof care? Want to see live horseshoeing related to this concern? Or have questions about other aspects of the art as it may relate to your horse? Stop by presentations at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday and noon and 2 p.m. on Sunday in the Carriage Room as these professionals demonstrate live shoeing and respond to your questions.

Saturday Schedule
12:00 – 1:00 Diego Almeida John Stedelin	How balance and conformation pertain to hoof care.
2:00 – 3:00 Diego Almeida Jesse Merriman Janice Qualls	Live Shoeing Demonstration
4:00 – 5:00 Steve Hedges Diego Almeida	Ask a Farrier (open to any shoeing question)
Sunday Schedule
12:00 – 1:00 Kent Misener John Stedelin	How balance and conformation pertain to hoof care.
2:00 – 3:00 Jesse Merriman Steve Hedges Kent Misener	Live Shoeing Demonstration

The shopping is outstanding at Illinois Horse Fair…Best in the state. It's virtually an equestrian shopping center, with more than 140 different commercial vendors featuring saddlery, clothing, boots and hats, jewelry, art, equestrian services, barns and fencing, even colleges with equine programs.

Many different brands of horse trailers will be on display by dealers ready to make sales. Nowhere else in Illinois will you find as many trailers, horse merchandise and supplies than at Illinois Horse Fair.

The program and layout at Horse Fair are friendly and convenient. You're encouraged to ask questions and interact with the clinicians and speakers, welcomed back in the barns to talk to the owners and trainers who present 25 breed and discipline demonstrations by all the popular breeds as well as breeds not seen
as widely.

Mare owners can check out the breeding stallions on Stallion Row and in the daily Parade of Stallions, while almost everyone wants to see what's stabled on the HorsesForSale aisles. Horse Fair takes no commission but rather provides a common ground where buyer and seller can meet and talk directly.

The atmosphere in the HorsesForSale aisles is low-key and congenial, presenting horses of many breeds, ages and capabilities. Potential buyers can evaluate many horses right on the grounds, eliminating costly and time-consuming travel. There were more than 75 horses registered last year.

Info on HorsesForSale

General admission tickets give access to all exhibits, clinics and presentations.

Daily passes - $10
(children under 8 FREE when accompanied by adult)

Weekend passes - $25
(children under 8 FREE when accompanied by adult)

Ranch Rodeo evening shows require separate tickets for Friday and Saturday.

General Admission:
Adult/Senior/Child tickets $10 Each

Reserved Seating:
Adult/Senior/Child tickets $15 Each

Notice to all attendees and participants: There will be professional photographers taking pictures and video during the 2013 Illinois Horse Fair. With your entrance to the fairgrounds, you are giving permission for the Illinois Horse Fair and its organizers to use any photos of you which might appear in future promotional materials or advertising used in conjunction with the Illinois Horse Fair.