On Feb. 22, the Colorado Equine Veterinary Service will host the fifth Horsemanís Day at the Norris Penrose Event Center. The first event took place at Falcon High School in 2010, but itís now outgrown the school grounds.ìIt’s a growing event,î said Sarah Gibson, event coordinator. ìWe moved it because they were limited at the high school because they couldn’t do clinics.îThis year, the event features three riding clinics and several speakers. The sponsors landed renown speaker Temple Grandin who, at a young age, was diagnosed with autism. Today, Grandin teaches at Colorado State University and is well-known for her innovative ideas in animal husbandry and animal welfare ñ and autism. Grandin has written several books and articles on both topics. The guest speakersí list includes Patty Ansuini, who will share the miraculous story of her horse, Kitty Silverwings. Several other speakers will present on topics ranging from ìThe Unwanted Horseî to ìBits and Bit Fitting.îSimone Ahern, a local trainer at Sun Prairie Stables, will teach two one-hour dressage riding clinics. Devin Warren, a four-time American Paint Horse Association World Champion, will teach a three-hour horsemanship clinic.Spaces are still open for the clinics, but they are quickly filling up, Gibson said.In addition, the event includes fun activities for children and give-away items. ìPeople go wild with the give-aways,î Gibson said. ìThere will be pony rides, which is new, and two stick horse rodeos.î A caricature artist, face painting and a magic show in the Kid’s Corral are all part of the event, she said.Grandin and Ansuini also will hold book signings. Barnes and Nobles will be there to provide the books. ìOver 60 vendors are showcasing the latest products and services offered along the Front Range region,î said Gibson. Included in the list of vendors are sponsors of the event: CEVS, Zoetis, Abaxis and Ferguson Buick GMC. Other vendors include Bingo’s D&S Saddle Shop and the Boot Barn ñ and food vendors.Horsemanís Day is Feb. 22, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Norris Penrose Event Center. For more information, visit http://coloradospringshorsemansday.com or call 719-749-9500. The event is free. Anyone interested in participating as riders in the clinics will pay a fee to the instructors. Registration and information about the clinics is through CEVS, at 719- 749-9500.
