Sporthorse Tournament Brings Family Fun, Equestrian Expo and Educational Clinics to Downtown Syracuse
RELEASE: November 1, 2007
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: By Mary Jo Madden
A packed schedule of world-class show jumping competition, educational opportunities, vendors, exhibitors and children's activities comes to the Oncenter Complex, October 31-November 4. New additions to this year's Sporthorse Tournament are a Halloween Extravaganza for kids and equine professional development opportunities for the more serious-minded, all this on top of equestrian competition that gets fans into the action. One of the nation's premier international show jumping competitions, the Sporthorse Tournament will feature the top-ranked U.S. riders and international competitors who will all vie for the Budweiser World Cup Qualifier of Syracuse and the Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup presented by Time Warner Cable. In addition, the finest junior riders in the U.S. will contest the National Horse Show ASPCA Maclay Championship. The action will take place at the Oncenter Complex in downtown Syracuse.
Kids' Activities at the TournamentFree organized crafts and activities in the convention center with special appearances by Cazenovia College's miniature horses, Clippety the Human Horse, jugglers, musicians and face painters. (Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.)
For Horse Lovers and ProfessionalsFrank and Beezie Madden Auditing Clinic (October 31, 7:00-9:00 p.m. in War Memorial–preregistration required)
A rare auditing clinic is being offered by Cazenovia's Beezie Madden and her brother-in-law, Frank Madden, who will share some insights that have led to their success in riding and training horses, the "Madden Way." In a unique opportunity, the Syracuse Invitational will host "Raising the Bar: the Madden Way," an auditing clinic with Frank Madden and Beezie Madden, presented by EQUUS on Wednesday, October 31 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. This auditing clinic pairs two of our countries best—a Gold-medal Olympic rider and one of the foremost hunter/jumper trainers and clinicians—as they present a fast paced, educational, and fun clinic for riders and trainers of all levels. Tickets for adults are $25 and youth (15 and under) are $15. Preregistration required through the tournament office (315) 655-4721 or at
www.syracuseinvitational.com.
Professional Development SeminarsAs the Sporthorse Tournament continues on its mission to raise the level of horsemanship and better the sport of show jumping, a professional seminar series has also been added to the Tournament offerings for 2007. Dr. Kathleen Young of Purina Feeds will be discussing the new feeding guidelines for horses recently released by the Nutritional Research Council (NRC). Dr. Lyda Denney, DVM, of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets will be joined by others to discuss disease prevention, biosecurity, and the National Animal Identification Program. Both seminar sessions are on Thursday, November 1. Each seminar is $25 ($15 for youth/student) with a discounted rate for those attending both seminar sessions. Preregistration is required through the Tournament office at (315) 655-4721 or through the website.
Free Horse-Related Educational Clinics daily at the Tournament, sponsored by
Equus Magazine:
Thursday2:00 p.m.: Dr. Tracy Turner with Bates Saddles will discuss back problems in the horse
5:00 p.m.: Linda Tellington-Jones will discuss her world-famous perspectives and insights into horses' personality and behavior
Friday 2:30 p.m.: Susan Harris will present "Anatomy in Motion the Visible Horse" while "Anatomy in Motion, the Visible Rider" will be presented by Peggy Brown
4:30 p.m.: Dr. Tracy Turner with Bates Saddles will discuss saddles and saddle fit from a veterinarian's perspective
Saturday10:00 a.m.: Beezie Madden will discuss and demonstrate the importance of partnership with horses
11:30 a.m.: Panel discussion about equine de