UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Former Pittsburgh Steelers All-star Defensive Back Mel Blount Will Give A "cutting" Demonstration On Wednesday, Aug. 17, At Penn State's Ag Progress Days.

Blount, who will perform at the Ag Progress Days Equine Experience, owns a ranch in Washington County, Pa., and uses a well-received equine program there to reach at-risk youth. Several of his students will assist him in his demonstration.

"Mel will be riding a cutting horse, and that takes a talented horse and an accomplished rider," says Ann Swinker, associate professor of equine science, extension horse specialist and coordinator of the Equine Experience. "He will ride a horse that was bred with cattle sense and bred to work cattle in addition to being well trained." Other demonstrations and seminars will be held throughout the three-day event. 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 Swinker 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 all events held at Ag Progress Days, visit the Web 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