UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- World-renowned Horseman Richard Shrake Will Give A Series Of Demonstrations And Lectures, Aug. 17-19 At Penn State's Ag Progress Days.

Shrake, who will perform at the Equine Experience area, operates A Winning Way, Ltd. in Sunriver, Ore. He is well-known among equine enthusiasts for his Resistance Free Training and Riding methods and as a world class instructor, clinician and judge.

"Shrake will be giving a number of demonstrations and lectures on all three days that should appeal to all horse enthusiasts," says Ann Swinker, associate professor of equine science, extension horse specialist and coordinator of the Equine Experience. "We are extremely fortunate to have a horseman of this caliber at Ag Progress Days."

Visitors to the Equine Experience also will be entertained by unique horse performances and can learn about horse ownership, management and horsemanship throughout the three-day agricultural extravaganza.

The Equine Experience, conducted by Penn State, the Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Association (PQHA) and other breed and industry groups, will offer horse enthusiasts new activities, plus several popular attractions from past years. The program will feature breed demonstrations and clinics and a learning center with educational displays and lectures.

In cooperation with the PQHA, horses will be available for the public to ride during Ag Progress Days. "This is a great opportunity for anyone who has always wanted to ride a horse, those thinking about becoming horse owners or current horse owners who want to improve their horsemanship knowledge and skills," says Swinker.

"The Equine Experience is a great place to visit with horse business and organization representatives, attend seminars and obtain educational information from Penn State and other breed and industry experts," she says. Program topics will include preventative veterinary care, selection of the proper horse, handling and training, breed clinics and much more.

"The Equine Experience will be of interest to all horse enthusiasts, from potential or new owners and novice riders to experienced horse owners or professionals," says Swinker. "This event will showcase Pennsylvania's equine industry and the Penn State Equine Science Program. It is also a safe and exciting way to introduce the public to horses and horse-related activities."

On Tuesday, Aug. 17, events will feature American Quarter Horses, Arabians and other breed and discipline clinics, a working sheep dog demonstration, and performances by the Keystone Dressage and Combined Training Drill Team and the Pennsylvania State Police Mounted Patrol. Expert horse trainers also will demonstrate handling and training techniques. Highlights on Wednesday, Aug. 18, will include a cutting demonstration featuring former Pittsburgh Steeler Mel Blount, a musical dressage performance, a bridleless reining demonstration, horse-handling and training demonstrations, and breed clinics.

On Thursday, Aug. 19, in addition to the horse educational demonstrations, the Penn State/Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Association 4-H Equine Skillathon will start at 10 a.m. The skillathon is a multi-phase competition that allows young equestrians to demonstrate their skills in a showmanship and horse-judging competition, a written test and a series of identification stations.

Trail riding and packing demonstrations will take place all three days in the arena and learning center.

For more information about the Equine Experience, visit the Penn State Equine Science Web site at http://www.das.psu.edu (click on horses), or contact the Penn State Equine Science Team at 814-865-7810.

Penn State's Ag Progress Days is held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, nine miles southwest of State College on Route 45. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 17; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 18; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 19th. Admission and parking are free.

For more information visit the Ag Progress Days Web site at http://apd.cas.psu.edu.

###

EDITORS: Contact Ann Swinker at 814-865-7810 or by e-mail at aswinker@psu.edu.

Writer/Editor: Jeff Mulhollem Office 814-863-2719 FAX 814-863-9877