WHO:  Louisiana Equine Council, an organization founded in 2005 by horse professionals and enthusiasts of diverse backgrounds to serve as a unifying voice for all breeds and disciplines

WHAT:  Sixth Annual Southwest Louisiana Horse Expo

This year’s Expo will have a broad appeal to all Louisiana horsemen, as it will feature the Third Annual Colt Starting Challenge.  This event consists of three professional trainers and three unbroken horses working simultaneously in three pens.  The audience will see how, in two days, with expert handling, unbroken horses can be safely transformed and ridden. 

For those wishing to do more than watch, a team sorting competition will be open to competitors of all ages at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, March 17, following the second session of the Colt Starting Challenge. 

In keeping with LEC’s goal to help educate and promote the equine industry, other professionals will be demonstrating techniques and skills useful to equestrians of all skill levels and disciplines. Presenters include Susan Morris, two-time World Champion Extreme Cowboy competitor of Zachary, LA, who will be demonstrating the skills she used in winning the 2009 Extreme Cowboy Race. 

Fran Hancock, a nationally recognized clinician with Reis Ranch Natural Horsemanship, will demonstrate how dressage is invaluable to all disciplines, but specifically to western riding. Judy Weisgerber with the La. Stock Horse Association will demonstrate an event called Ranch Pleasure. And Michael Radich, jumping instructor at the Stables of Le Bocage in Lake Charles, will show how you can safely teach your horse to jump—regardless of the discipline you ride.   

There will be vendors as well.  Equestrian clubs and organizations are encouraged to contact LEC, as booth space is free for them. SOAR Therapeutic Riding will host a Kids’ Korral.  Children are invited to come and learn about horses and make “horsey” crafts for a small fee to benefit SOAR. On Sunday, Cowboy Church will start promptly at 8:30 a.m. Activities will conclude with the Colt Starting Finals in the afternoon.

Admission is $5.00 for adults.  Children 10 or under get in free.  You may join LEC at the Expo for free admission, or you may go to Laequinecouncil.com and “Join” by completing an application.  The following hotels in Lake Charles have rooms blocked for the expo: Inn on the Bayou (337 474-5151) and the La Quinta (337 478-9889). Or you may wish to bring your camper and trailer and stay at the coliseum.  Stalls are also available.  Camper hookups are $25.00 and stalls are $15.00 per night.  Shavings are not provided, but will be available for purchase.

WHEN:  March 17^th & 18^th

WHERE:  Burton Coliseum Outdoor Arena, Lake Charles, Louisiana

CONTACTS: An agenda is posted at www.LaEquineCouncil.com, or call 337 794-9489 or 337 296-6819.