Horses 2001 conference at Cornell features seminars and clinics, April 7-8

Cornell will host "Horses 2001," a two-day conference featuring demonstrations, clinics and educational seminars related to equine issues, April 7-8.

In addition to the several equine educational seminars, "Horses 2001" will have a vendor fair, demonstration tent, draft horse wagon rides, a chicken barbecue with entertainment and an opportunity for visiting the annual open house at Cornell's New York State College of Veterinary Medicine. The vendor fair, demonstration tent and open house are all free and open to the public. At the same time, the university is hosting the national collegiate polo championships in the Oxley Equestrian Center.

Horses 2001 will feature educational seminars on veterinary science, animal science, agricultural engineering, and agricultural economics and marketing.

Equine training expert Frank Bell will present his "Seven Steps to the Horse You Always Wanted" clinic on both conference days. Also, on April 7, Bell is offering "Communicating With the Young Horse," which explains humane training methods designed to build a horse's trust.

Nancy Cahill, the 1996 American Quarter Horse Association Horsewoman of the Year, trainer of world champion horses and coach for the United States Quarter Horse Youth World Cup Team (1998-2000), will present "Fundamentals of Training to Proceed in Any Event," April 7, and "Advanced Horse Skills," April 8.

Marcia Kulak, an alternate on the U.S. Olympic equestrian team, will present "Flat Work and Preparation for Over-Fence Work" on April 7 and "Grids for Starting Horses Over Fences" and "Addressing Issues Over Fences" on April 8.

The fee for the conference is $65 for adults and $25 for students, which includes lunch. Register by March 16 to avoid a $20 late registration fee.

Conference brochures can be obtained via e-mail by contacting Judy Sherwood at jes10@cornell.edu or by phone at 255-4503. For other conference information, contact Jean T. Griffiths, Cornell Cooperative Extension horse specialist, by e-mail at jtg4@cornell.edu or by phone at 255-2857.