HorseFesting around at FarmPark

CONCORD TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Lake Farmpark will hold its 11th annual HorseFest. May 19-20, offering a variety of equine activities and demonstrations for people of all ages and all interest levels.

The annual event at the Lake Metroparks agricultural park will feature many breeds of horses, and give participants an opportunity to learn about their origins and uses.

David Davis, two-time world champion reining horse trainer from Hardenburg, Ind., who appeared at HorseFest last year, will make a return engagement.

Davis will demonstrate his unique training techniques in a three-part presentation. “Starting a Horse to Ride” on Saturday will demonstrate his force-free wild horse training techniques. On Sunday, he will introduce the same horse to driving a cart.

Davis will also be showcased both days, singing as he presents a freestyle reining demonstration.

Driving cavalcade.

This year at HorseFest carriage association members will take part in a driving cavalcade presentation, touring the countryside trails of Lake Farmpark.

Horse-drawn vehicles on display will include a stagecoach, an authentic doctors carriage from the late 19th century, and a variety of contemporary carriages.

Progressive horseman, Eric Clarke, of Dundee, Ill., will demonstrate “natural horsemanship” techniques. Clarke Is the founder of Clarke Learning Center, where he specializes in teaching the horse and rider to form a partnership based on mutual respect, the natural way!

The sport of cutting horses, jumping, musical ride performances, and the Cavalcade of Breeds will all be presented during the two-day horse festival.

Medieval games.

The Lake Metroparks Volunteer Mounted Posse will demonstrate the an ancient spectator sport by staging Medieval games, and Janet Tenney, of 10ee Andalusiona/Lusitano from Warren, Ohio, who will ride her Andalusian horse, Desvalo, to present Baroque dressage.

Activities taking place on one day only include a fox hunting demonstration on Saturday., and mounted units from local law enforcement agencies competing against through an obstacle course, on Sunday.

Children can “horse-around” in the children’s activity tent which will feature many hands-on activities including roping with Cowboy Ben and stick pony relay races.

Hours for HorseFest are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults; $5 for seniors 60 and over; and $4 for youth, ages 2 to 11. Children under 2 are admitted free. Members of Lake Farmpark receive free admission to the event.

For more information about HorseFest call 440-256-2122 or 800-366-3276, or visit the Web site at www.lakemetroparks.com.

Lake Farmpark is located a mile east of Route 306, five miles north of Interstate 90.