DAN JAMES with Double Dan Horsemanship is the headliner for this year’s Washington State Horse Expo. Numerous other special guests will be in attendance at the three-day event, including Steve Rother, Craig Camerson, Jessica Wisdom and others.
Over the past four years, the Washington State Horse Expo has grown into one of the top equine events in the Pacific Northwest, attracting thousands of horse riders and enthusiasts from all over the region. Attendees come from all around to see clinics, demonstrations and to view the finest bred horses, all at one location.
This year, the Washington State Horse Expo is Fri.-Sun., Feb. 14-16, at the Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, 17402 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield. Anyone with a strong interest in riding, technique and competing is invited to attend. The event will feature national experts, multiple stages, dozens of equine industry vendors and numerous children’s activities.
Horse Expo events will take place Fri., Feb. 14, noon-9 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 15, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Sun., Feb. 16, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
This year’s event will feature national, regional and state presenters. The event is complete with everything from an Extreme Cowboy Race, to national clinicians and trainers, regional and local experts, special guests and resources on equine nutrition and health and wellness seminars.
“This is our best show yet,” said Brian Fisher, producer and show manager for the Washington State Horse Expo. “The clinicians, special guests and presentations of dressage, western, reigning and roping are outstanding and not to be missed.”
Horse Expo attendees can expect to see national experts, celebrities and other spokespersons attending the event. This year, visitors can see Dan James with Double Dan Horsemanship. Born in Queensland, Australia, James first began his lifelong passion with horses at the age of just 6 weeks. Starting his first colt in his early teens sparked his hunger to understand more about the horse’s thinking patterns. Most recently, James and “Smart Little Mustang,” also known as “Punk,” demonstrated what can be achieved in the Double Dan Horsemanship Program at the Mustang Heritage Foundation’s Mustang Million, taking fourth place. James is the headliner for this year’s Washington State Horse Expo.
Attendees likely won’t want to miss Steve Rother’s Western Doma Vaquera, a “beautiful” display of partnership that is evident as Rother executes advanced maneuvers between horse and rider. Also, those in attendane can see Marvin Pierce’s Cow Dogs or watch The BlackPearl Friesian Dance Troupe, featuring Friesian horses performing choreographed dances to music.
Other special guests at this year’s Washington State Horse Expo will include Craig Cameron, Jessica Wisdom, Larry Whitesell, Jennifer Bauer, Kyle Kellmer, Barb Apple, Brent Rollins, Katie Peery and Richard Shrake. There will also be some activities for children, as well as some seminars on Free Style, Liberty and Trick Training, Overcoming Trail Obstacles, Dressage for Every Horse, Saddle Fitting and more.
“If you are an expert rider or brand new to the horse world, this event is the place to be,” said Heidi O’Hara, director of sales and events. “For three days we have the top experts, clinics and vendors at one location.”
Adult admission to the Washington State Horse Expo is $10, $8 for seniors ages 62 and older and $8 for children ages 7-12. Children younger than 7 can attend for free. Parking at the Clark County Event Center is $6. Three-day event passes are available for $24 for adults and $20 for youth. RV parking is available for $20 per night and may be reserved in advance. Call the event center administrative office at (360) 397-6180.
For additional information, visit www.ClarkCoEventCenter.com.
