UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Can horses really teach people? Visitors to Penn State's Ag Progress Days, Aug. 16-18, can find out from GaWaNi Pony Boy, who will demonstrate his unique and unorthodox methods of horse training.

GaWaNi Pony Boy is known worldwide for his Horses Teaching People courses and "relationship training." He has written 10 books since 1998, with "Horse, Follow Closely" being his number one seller. "His Native American teachings are very unique, and when asked why, he will simply tell you, 'If we want to successfully train our horses, we should take our time and do it right the first time,'" says Ann Swinker, Penn State extension horse specialist. "GaWaNi's horse-training methods are safe, sound and easily followed by all horse owners."

GaWaNi Pony Boy will give demonstrations in the Large Horse Arena on Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Wednesday at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and on Thursday at 11:15 a.m.

Horse enthusiasts who visit the Equine Experience at Ag Progress Days will also be entertained by a variety of performances and will learn about horse ownership, breeding, and training. New this year is a Kid's Corner that will feature horse-related activities and educational material.

On Tuesday, Aug. 16, events will include workshops on Clicker Training and "Leave-No-Trace Trail Stewardship." Demonstrations will showcase the Keystone Dressage and Combined Training Drill Team and the Pennsylvania State Police Mounted Patrol.

Wednesday, Aug. 17, will feature performances by former Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro Mel Blount and the Foster Quarter Horses, as well as the Flying Hooves 4-H Horse & Pony Club. There also will be seminars on horse ownership, training, and shelter.

Also on Wednesday the Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Association will sponsor a quarter horse Test Ride open to all visitors." John Comerford, Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Association president notes that 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 should come out to Ag Progress Days," he says.

On Thursday, Aug. 18, youth will test their skills and knowledge in the 4-H Equine Skillathon starting at 10 a.m. Penn State and the Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Association will sponsor the event, which will include a judging contest, a written test and identification stations. 4-Hers from across Pennsylvania will compete for savings bonds and ribbons in this event.

A variety of breed clinics -- including miniature horses -- will be held daily, and Rodger and Linda Thomas of "Ro-lin on Clydes" will show their six-Clydesdale hitch each day.

For more information about the Equine Experience, visit the Penn State Equine Science Web site at 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. 16; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 17; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 18. Admission and parking are free.

For information on other events, visit the Ag Progress Days Web site at http://apd.cas.psu.edu.

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EDITORS: Contact Ann Swinker at 814-865-7810 or by e-mail at axs15@psu.edu.

Writer: Ryan Szivos

Editor: Jeff MulhollemOffice 814-863-2719 FAX 814-863-9877