EquiFest of Kansas Feb. 10 to 12 in Wichita

SPEAKER--A clinician speaks with attendees following her demonstration. (Journal photo by Kylene Scott.)

EquiFest of Kansas returns for its 15th year, so plan to attend Feb. 10 to 12 at the Kansas Pavilions, Wichita, Kan. .

Doors open Feb. 10 at 9:30 a.m., Feb. 11 and 12 at 8:30 a.m.

EquiFest clinicians

--Sharon Camarillo is an accomplished horsewoman whose career has encompassed many facets of the western and equestrian world. She is a businesswoman who has been recognized by the Western and English Manufacturers Association as an innovator throughout the industry.

Camarillo is a multi-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier, an intercollegiate and Women's Professional Rodeo Champion. She is the author of Western horseman Library books, "Training, Tuning and Winning" and "The Art of Barrel Racing", along with 6 training DVD's. Her latest book, "Barrel Racing for Fun and Fast Times" is in its second printing.

Camarillo's acclaimed seminars have trained more than 15,000 students during the past 30 years. As a business graduate of California Polytechnic University, Sharon believes in the power of education and encourages her students to enjoy the process of developing their equine skills to their personal level of competitive capability.

Sharon Camarillo's EquiFest Schedule:

Feb. 10: 10:50 a.m. -Pavilion I; 3 p.m.--Arena Barn.

Feb. 11: 10:20 a.m.--Arena Barn; 3 p.m.--Pavilion I.

Feb. 12: 9:30 a.m.--Pavilion I; 12:30 p.m.--Arena Barn.

--Russell Dilday started out cowboying and riding a few outside colts for friends and family; as such Russell's training business has evolved into a full time career. Russell's list of accomplishments include: 2011 Worlds Greatest Horseman; 2008 Worlds Greatest Horseman ; 2008 NRCHA Bridle Spectacular Champion; 2008 Magnificent 7 Reserve Champion; 2007 SBF Finalist; 2007 Magnificent 7 Reserve Champion; 3rd Worlds Richest Stock Horse Competition; 2004 Worlds Greatest Horseman Reserve Champion ; 2003 Finalist--Reno World Championship Snaffle Bit Futurity; 2003 Worlds Greatest Horseman--3rd place; 2003 Magnificent 7 Champion; 2004 Magnificent 7 Reserve Champion; 2002 Limited Open Champion--Fresno Snaffle Bit Futurity; Plus, NRCHA major events finalist.

Dilday's EquiFest Schedule

Feb. 10: 11:10 a.m.--Workshop; 2:15 p.m.--Pavilion I; 4:30 p.m.--Arena Barn.

Feb. 11: 9:30 a.m.--Workshop; 11:45 a.m.--Arena Barn; 4:15 p.m.--Pavilion I.

Feb. 12: 10:50 a.m.--Arena Barn; 1:55 p.m.--Pavilion I.

--Chase Dodd and "Chase the Equine Dream" Challenge

As the two-time Winner of the Extreme Mustang Makeover and two-time Colt Starting Champ we're excited to welcome Chase Dodd to EquiFest of Kansas. Dodd lives on his ranch on Flat Top Mountain in Tennessee where he starts colts and travels across the country holding private clinics. He believes that everyone has a God given ability to train their own horse and wants to help owners/riders learn the ways of their horse for learning to understand him is the key to teaching him to be.

In that very spirit, Dodd and EquiFest of Kansas present: The "Chase the Equine Dream" Challenge. The rules of this competition are simple; 8 horses and riders have been selected. Riders are not professionals nor have they earned more than $100 in the past 12 months. Their horses are required to have been rescued or adopted. The twist of the competition: Riders will not be competing against each other, they will be trying to beat Chase Dodd--on a unbroke horse he just 'met' Feb 10.

Riders will have seven minutes to complete the obstacle course and it will be judged.

The obstacles will consist of (but not limited to) crossing a bridge, dragging a light log, going over a tarp, going thru a shower curtain, backing thru an obstacle, mounting your horse, and all three gaits, walk, trot, and canter on correct lead.

After Dodd's final clinic Feb. 12 at 3 p.m., the "Chase the Equine Dream Challenge" will begin. Again, the participants' goal is to beat Chase (on the horse he just started during EquiFest), in the obstacle course. Each one of the 8 horse/rider teams that beats Dodd will earn $100, donated by Chase's sponsor: Orthoflex Saddleworks.

--Charles Throckmorton, a course designer, technical coordinator, horse show manager, and judge will be sponsored in part by the Kansas Hunter Jumper Association.

Native to Colorado, Throckmorton has been living on a ranch in Fort Collins, Colo., since 1969. He was a founding member of the Centennial Pony Club. From 1970 to 1979 he was a working student for Bodo Hagen and competed extensively in dressage and three-day Eventing. As a junior rider, Throckmorton won several national titles. From 1979 to 2007 he competed and trained national winning Hunter and Jumper show horses, including several National GrandPrix Jumpers. In 1979 Charles became the head trainer for The Four Winds Equestrian show facility and in 1985 started course designing and technical coordinating. Charles is a licensed USEF R course designer for the Jumpers, Hunter and Equitation.

Currently, Charles works between 35 to 45 weeks a year for horse shows, acting as course designer, technical coordinator, manager or assistant manager and judge in large facilities across the country including:

While horse shows are his prime business, Throckmorton is head instructor for The Four Winds Equestrian Show Facility where he trains developing riders at all levels; specializing in hunter, jumpers and huntseat equitation competition for both horse and rider. Teaching a balanced and traditional ride and way of going is top priority.

Although Charles travels often, his family and four children, Robert, Steven, Linnea and Jasmine are of most importance.

Throckmorton's EquiFest Schedule

Feb. 10: 1:50 p.m.--Workshop; 5:15 p.m.--Pavilion I

Feb. 11: 1:00 p.m.-Arena Barn; 4:40 p.m.--Workshop followed by KHJA Reception

Feb. 12: 10:30 a.m.--Pavilion 1; 1:35 p.m.--Workshop.

--Rebecca Rigdon: EquiFest of Kansas is proud to welcome Rebecca Rigdon to the 2012 line-up. Rigdon has been riding for the past twenty-three years and competing twenty of those years. She attended the University of Kansas from 1996-2000 and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Currently Rigdon has 13 horses in training ranging from young horses schooling Training level through Grand Prix. To date she has started 39 horses, trained 25 horses through Third level, 4 through Prix St. George, and 2 to Grand Prix. Received her USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Rider medals on a self- trained horse. She has 10 students that have received their Bronze medals, and 3 with their Silver medals.

Rigdon has graduated 'with distinction' from the USDF judges L-program and now has her 'r' judges license and is working on her USDF Sport Horse Judge's License, as well as working to complete her learner judge status for the American Holsteiner Horse Association.

Rigdon was invited to be a demo rider for the USDF National Symposium in 2002, on her mare Milan, with Conrad Schumacher. She was also invited to attend the Trainer's Forum in California on January 2001, also instructed by Mr. Schumacher, as well as riding in Young Rider's clinics with him in 1996.

Rigdon's EquiFest

Schedule

Feb. 10: 11:15 a.m.--Arena Barn; 2:30 p.m.--Workshop.

Feb. 11: 10:50 a.m.- Workshop; 2 p.m.--Pavilion I.

Feb. 12: 2:30 p.m.--Arena Barn

--Rick Lamb was born and raised in Wichita, Kan. He had a passionate interest in horses from an early age but few opportunities to be around them. Instead, he focused on music, turning pro at the age of 14 and fostering talents that he would repeatedly call upon in the coming decades. In 1973, he graduated cum laude from Wichita State University with a double major: math and philosophy.

From his Kansas roots Lamb has evolved into an author, educator and host of the award-winning national TV and radio series The Horse Show.

Lamb's first book, The Revolution in Horsemanship and What It Means to Mankind, coauthored by Dr. Robert M. Miller, is a modern classic that explores the history, science and people of the natural horsemanship movement. Rick has also authored Horse Smarts for the Busy Rider, Human to Horseman and more than 100 magazine and blog articles. He speaks regularly at horse expos and hosts Road to the Horse, the acclaimed colt-starting contest in Tennessee. Lamb brings a wealth of insight and speaking skill to his appearances, leaving audiences with plenty of food for thought as well as practical suggestions for improving their lives with horses. Visit www.RickLamb.com to learn more.

Rick's EquiFest Schedule:

Feb. 10: 11:50 a.m.--Workshop; 3:10 p.m.--Workshop.

Feb. 11: 11:30 a.m.--Workshop.

Feb. 12: 12:55 p.m.--Workshop; 2:55 p.m.--Workshop.

Special Events at EquiFest

--Ranch rodeo: The 3rd Annual EquiFest Ranch Rodeo will feature 12 of the top ranch rodeo teams in the U.S.--including numerous former WRCA World Champions. These cowboys will be competing in real world ranching events including wild cow milking, team sorting, trailer loading and single mugging. This cowboy action promises to be non stop so don't miss a fantastic opportunity to see real cowboys in action and doing what they do best. The prize money ensures that these teams put on a high energy rodeo to entertain the entire family.

EquiFest Ranch Rodeo will be held in Pavilion I at 6 p.m., Feb. 11.

--Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association: Come to EquiFest and watch one of the nation's fastest growing equestrian sports--Cowboy Mounted Shooting. Mounted contestants compete in this fast action, timed event using two .45 caliber single action revolvers each loaded with five rounds of specially prepared blank ammunition.

There are no judges. Riders are competing against the clock. It takes time and training to participate in this sport. Almost every shooter started at a trot or even walking part of the course! Come see them in action Feb. 10 to 12.

--Breed Showcase and Stallion Review: The purpose of the Breed Showcase and Stallion Review is to showcase the many breeds, stallions and disciplines to both horse owners and equine enthusiasts alike. These equine representatives will be stalled in the stall barn where attendees can visit and ask questions. Participants will be promoting their stallion, breeds and disciplines in short exhibitions, daily. All horses attending must participate in a daily demonstration or showcase. The posted schedule is subject to change--please confirm demonstration times upon arrival at EquiFest. Breed Showcase and Stallion Review Entry Forms

--Battle of the Breeds: Join a multitude of horse and rider teams as they vie for the title of Champion of Kansas Equifest Battle of the Breeds.

All breeds are invited to compete. One horse/one rider work as a team exhibiting in a variety of competitions with the team's highest five scores to count toward the Championship. Limited to 20 teams, no more than 3 of any one breed.

Daily and weekend tickets available. Tickets include all clinics, demonstrations and lectures. Seating is open--first come, first serve. Tickets available at the door (cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover). Daily Admission: Adults $15; children, ages 6 to 12 $7.50; children 5 and under free. Full weekend admission (available only on Feb. 10): Adults $40; children, ages 6 to 12 $17.50; children 5 and under free.

For more information contact, Horseplay Promotions by email at Jared@horseplaypromotions.com or by phone at 785-215-5390; Kansas Horse Council by email at equifest@kansashorsecouncil.com or phone 785-776-0662.

Feb. 10

Pavilion I

9:30 a.m. Doors Open

10 a.m., National Anthem presented by: Commanding Generals Mounted Color Guard

10:20 a.m., US Bureau of Land Management--Wild Mustangs

10:35 a.m., Gypsy Horses

10:50 a.m., Sharon Camarillo The Art of Barrel Racing

11:55 a.m., Midwest Icelandic Horse Owners

12:05 p.m., Stallion Review

12:55 p.m., Cowboy Mounted Shooting Competition

2 p.m., Pleasure Tennessee Walking Horses

2:15 p.m., Russell Dilday Beginning Fence Work I

3:20 p.m., Chase Dodd Basic Body Control

3:55 p.m., Silver Buckle Drill Team

4:10 p.m., Battle of the Breeds--Jumping portion of the competition

5:15 p.m., Charles Throckmorton Understanding and Improving Your Horses Jumping Form and Maximizing His Ability Sponsored in part by: Kansas Hunter Jumper Association

6:20 p.m., ASHA Registered Shires

6:35 p.m., Kansas Pony of the Americas

7 p.m., Equine Extravaganza

Feb. 10

Arena Barn

10:15 a.m., Battle of the Breeds--English portion of the competition

10:50 a.m., The Old Barn Girls

11 a.m., Wheat State Morgan Horse Association

11:15 a.m., Rebecca Rigdon Introduction of Dressage -The Lower Levels

12:25 p.m., Tricky Chicky Trick Riding of Kansas

12:40 p.m., High Plains Paso Finos

1 p.m., Chase Dodd Colt Starting I

2:05 p.m., Feathered Friends

2:25 p.m., Eastern Kansas Arabian Horse Association

2:40 p.m., Millers Meadow Miniature Donkeys

3 p.m., Sharon Camarillo Horsemanship--Skills for Better Barrel Racing

4:05 p.m., Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue

4:30 p.m., Russell Dilday Beginning Fence Work II

5:35 p.m., Carriage and Driving Society of Kansas City

5:50 p.m., Sunflower Clydesdales

Feb. 11

Pavilion I

8:30 a.m., Doors Open

9 a.m., National Anthem presented by: Commanding Generals Mounted Color Guard

9:20 a.m., High Plains Paso Finos

9:35 a.m., The Old Barn Girls

9:45 a.m., Feathered Friends

10 a.m., Double Trouble Trick Riders

10:30 a.m., Chase Dodd Colt Starting II

11:35 a.m., Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue

11:45 a.m., Sunflower Clydesdales

12 p.m., Commanding Generals' Mounted Color Guard Demonstration

12:30 p.m., Wheat State Morgan Horse Association

12:45 p.m., Carriage and Driving Society of Kansas City

1 p.m., Battle of the Breeds--Driving portion of the competition

2 p.m., Rebecca Rigdon Developing the Foundation of Collection

3 p.m., Sharon Camarillo The Training Pyramid for Better Training and Performance

4 p.m., Eastern Kansas Arabian Horse Association

4:15 p.m., Russell Dilday Intermidiate Fence Work II

6 p.m., Ranch Rodeo sponsored by Rusty Eck Ford

Feb. 11

Arena Barn

9:15 a.m., Battle of the Breeds--Stock Horse portion of the competition

10:20 a.m., Sharon Camarillo The Art of Barrel Racing

11:25 a.m., Kansas Pony of the Americas

11:45 a.m., Russell Dilday Intermidiate Fence Work I

1 p.m., Charles Throckmorton Course Designing for Horse Shows--Building a Quality Course for Competitions and Understanding it to Make You a Better Competitor Sponsored in part by: Kansas Hunter Jumper Association

1:50 p.m., Stallion Review

2:35 p.m., Cowboy Mounted Shooting Competition

3:40 p.m., Millers Meadow Miniature Donkeys

3:50 p.m., Gypsy Horses

4:05 p.m., Double Trouble Trick Riders

4:20 p.m., Pleasure Tennessee Walking Horses

4:35 p.m., US Bureau of Land Management--Wild Mustangs

4:50 p.m., Midwest Icelandic Horse Owners

5 p.m., ASHA Registered Shires

5:15 p.m., Tricky Chicky Trick Riding of Kansas

5:30 p.m., Silver Buckle Drill Team

Feb. 12

Pavilion I

8:30 a.m., Doors Open--Cowboy Church with Shiloh Ranch Ministries (workshop area)

9 a.m., National Anthem presented by: Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard

9:20 p.m., Tricky Chicky Trick Riding of Kansas

9:30 a.m., Sharon Camarillo Horsemanship--Skills for Better Barrel Racing

10:30 a.m., Charles Throckmorton Understanding and Improving Your Horses Jumping Form Maximizing His Ability Sponsored in part by: Kansas Hunter Jumper Association

11:30 a.m., Stallion Review

12:15 p.m., Cowboy Mounted Shooting Competition

1:15 p.m., Miller Meadows Miniature Donkeys

1:30 p.m., Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard Demonstration

1:55 p.m., Russell Dilday Advanced Fence Work II

3 p.m., Chase the Equine Dream Challenge w/ Chase Dodd Finale

3:45 p.m., Battle of the Breeds--Trail Horse portion of the competition and Finale

Feb. 12

Arena Barn

9:15 a.m., Chase Dodd Colt Starting III

10:10 a.m., Gypsy Horses

10:30 a.m., Russell Dilday Advanced Fence Work I

11:35 a.m., High Plains Paso Finos

11:45 a.m., Pleasure Tennessee Walking Horses

12 p.m., ASHA Registered Shires

12:15 p.m., US Bureau of Land Management--Wild Mustangs

12:30 p.m., Sharon Camarillo Problem Specific Corrections for Better Barrel Racing

1:30 p.m., Battle of the Breeds--Speed portion of the competition

2:05 p.m., Sunflower Clydesdales

2:15 p.m., Feathered Friends

2:30 p.m., Rebecca Rigdon Achieving a higher Degree of Throughness and Collection--the FEI Levels

3:35 p.m., Midwest Icelandic Horse Owners

3:45 p.m., Eastern Kansas Arabian Horse Association

4 p.m., Carriage and Driving Society of Kansas City

4:10 p.m.,Kansas Ponys of the Americas

4:25 p.m., Wheat State Morgan Association

4:35 p.m., Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue

4:45 p.m., The Old Barn Girls

Date: 2/6/12