Cornell University will be a horse-lovers' haven March 25-26, when it hosts "Horses 2006," an educational conference and exposition devoted to horses. The conference -- which caters to equine professionals and enthusiasts -- will feature speakers, clinicians and a vendor fair.

Seminars include: equine first aid, infectious disease control, horse behavior, reproduction, pasture management, bridle and saddle fitting fundamentals, rescuing horses during emergencies, equine nutrition and owner-farrier relations.

One of the seminar highlights will be bolstering business savvy. Lisa Derby Oden, who owns Blue Ribbon Consulting in New Hampshire, will speak on "Horse Business Essentials: Start Smart!" and "Marketing on a Shoe String."

Clinics include:

• "Centered Riding -- Your Mind, Your Body, Your Horse" and "Anatomy in Motion, The Visible Horse," to be presented by Susan Harris of Cortland, N.Y. Harris is known for painting live horses with nontoxic colors to explain equine physiology and movement.
• Equestrian trainer Judy Richter lecturing on "Basic Ground Pole Exercises for Hunters" and "Hunter Seat Equitation on the Flat and Over Fences."
• Internationally known Western trainer Brian Dygert presenting "Putting Balance in Your Western Horse" and "Preparing Today's Western Horses."

The vendor fair will feature booths from equine publications to equipment, fencing, trailers, tack, art, jewelry, education, clubs and breed associations. The vendor fair is free and open to the public.

Cost of the two-day conference, which is co-sponsored with Rutgers University and the University of Vermont, is $105 for adults and $75 for students and children; one-day registration is $75 for adults, $55 for students and children. The fee includes seminars, clinics, vendor fair, lunches, breaks with light refreshments and a copy of the proceedings.

For registration and program information, see http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/horse.