Local area horse breeders and equine enthusiasts will be gathering at the Armstrong Fairgrounds this weekend for the Okanagan Breeders Equine Affair and Showcase.
Taking place Saturday and Sunday, the fun event will feature speakers, educational displays, test rides, a trade fair, and a consignment tack sale with most events starting at 10 a.m. each day.
“There will be stallions on display, horses for sale, horse training demos and lectures each day and more,” added Nancy Roman with the Okanagan Breeders Group.
Some of the demonstrations/speakers include Dr. Britt Mills, DVM (of Armstrong); horse training with Carl Woods (Peachland); horse training with Jandana Ranch (Pinantan Lake, outside Kamloops); horse training with Ross Munsey (Armstrong); Okanagan Miniature Horse Club; and dressage with Tina Schoenbach and Sonya Campbell, (Salmon Arm).
The trade fair exhibitors will offer a full line of products, tack and services for everyone.
“Some tables are still available if you would like to participate; plus you get free advertising on our website too,” said Roman.
The South Central Quarter Horse Association will present the ever popular AQHA test ride.
“This is an opportunity for horse enthusiasts to receive a brief one-on-one riding lesson on a quarter horse. Lessons are free and time slots are limited, so be sure to sign up early,” said Roman.
The consignment tack sale, hosted by the Armstrong Enderby Riding Club, takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. Those interested in participating are asked to bring in their good quality and clean tack and equestrian clothing to drop off near the Armstrong Fairground barns on Friday between 4 and 7 p.m.
Also back by request will be the sale horse showcase, a private treaty sale where horses will be pre-advertised and available on-site for prospective buyers to see and possibly try out.
“(This is) great exposure for those looking to sell a horse,” said Roman.
In addition, there will be a Saturday evening gala starting at 6 p.m. in the Agriplex for some fun and entertainment.
Spectators can enjoy an obstacle driving derby hosted by the Okanagan Miniature Horse Club, a free jump demonstration, enabling stallions and sale horses to demonstrate their jumping ability, along with a pas de deux dressage demonstration, a pairs reining demonstration, and breed demonstrations featuring unique breeds such as the Curly horse, the Peruvian, the Caspian and the Friesian.
Admission to all events is free.
More information on the weekend is available at www.okbreedersgroup.com, or call Roman at 250-546-9922.
