UNIVERSITY PARK Pa. - For horse enthusiasts and their families it might be the ultimate summer vacation. The equine science program in Penn State's College of Agricultural Science will offer a horse camp, July 13-16, designed to appeal to every ability level, from those new to riding to the experienced equestrian. "This event will help both youth and adult owners with the care, training and riding of their horses," says Ann Swinker, associate professor of equine science and extension horse specialist. "This is a safe and exciting way to get involved in horse activities."

Penn State faculty and staff will present lectures and demonstrations on topics such as vacationing with your horse, environmentally sound horse keeping, avoiding horse hazards, vaccination and deworming, composting, and pasture maintenance. Other sessions will cover trail riding, horse maintenance, horsemanship, trail stewardship, and property management.

"Some of the students in our equine science program also will be on hand to assist participants and to give informative lectures on topics such as choosing a suitable horse for your riding discipline," says Swinker.

The camp will feature riding lessons in dressage, hunt seat and western. The lessons will be presented by Carol Bulmer, dressage instructor, trainer, steward and judge; Ed Jodon, hunt seat instructor and trainer for Jodon's Stables in Port Matilda; and Suzanne Myers, western instructor and trainer and research associate at Penn State's Animal Diagnostic Laboratory.

In addition to these disciplines, trail riders will be led out on a guided trail ride in the afternoons. Bud and Gwen Wills of the Pennsylvania Equine Council will present a trail stewardship program and a mule packing demonstration. Ward Studebaker will provide a training session suited to all riding disciplines on "Making Your Horse into a Useful Working Partner."

"In addition to activities for horse enthusiasts, there will be something of interest for all family members," says Swinker. "We will have activities such as educational programming, swimming, crafts, games, camping and a western-style cook-out."

The Penn State horse camp will take place at the Ag Progress Days site at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, nine miles southwest of State College on Route 45.

Penn State is also offering two additional horse camps. The first camp coordinated by the Westmoreland County office of Penn State's Cooperative Extension, will be held July 25-27 at Crooked Creek Park in Ford City. The second camp offered in conjunction with the Montgomery County extension office, will take place Sept. 23-24 at the Montgomery County 4-H Center in Creamery.

Registration is encouraged for all three camps, as space is limited. For more information, contact Swinker at 814-865-7810 or by e-mail at aswinker@psu.edu; Kadie Vanderman at 814-863-7639 or ksv5000@psu.edu; or visit the Web at http://www.das.psu.edu (click on Horse Camps).

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Ryan Szivos Writer

Jeff Mulhollem Editor Phone: 814-863-2719 E-mail: jjm29@psu.edu