Horse expo reigns supreme this weekend
SANDPOINT — Horse lovers don’t have to travel hundreds of miles to get high-level expert advice and training because it’s all rounded up in Sandpoint this weekend.
The goal of the 5th annual Horsin’ Around Horse & Mule Expo at the Bonner County Fairgrounds is to showcase local talent, including trainers, clinicians and competitors in everything from cowboy mounted shooting to extreme trail riding. There’s something for everyone whether you want to ride, watch or just socialize with other equine enthusiasts.
“We want people to realize there is an amazing amount of horse knowledge and talent right here at home,” said organizer Billie Cochran.
Trainer Jack Mervin of Blanchard is the headline clinician.
Mervin has refined his training system during the last 20 years, getting a solid start while working with his father and twin brother, Rich Mervin, on large ranches in Southern Idaho.
Together the Mervin brothers developed the “Student of the Horse” training system.
Jack helps riders understand how horses move and learn so they can respond to cues whether in the saddle or on the ground.
“There’s a huge gap in translation,” Jack said. “Every horse understands this langue and how they use their body to move.”
Jack’s goal is to teach humans this language so they can clearly ask their horse to work.
Jack and Rich won last year’s Trainers’ Challenge, a competition to train a young horse during the weekend.
This year four local trainers will compete to teach several advanced maneuvers to young horses with no more than 40 rides. It’s like a cowboy reality show as the trainers show their talents by getting green horses to perform a series of advanced skills in just three days. Each trainer gets three sessions during the weekend to prepare and school their horse. The Trainers’ Challenge Competition is judged by Gail Silkwood of Moscow.
Unlike most expos, anybody can bring a horse or mule and ride in any of the events and clinics focused to please the entire family. Or spectators can just watch, learn and enjoy the fun. Participants compete for cash and prizes in a variety of events, including an extreme trail race, “battle of the breeds,” gaming, riding clinics, demonstrations and clinics and more.
Information: www.horsinaroundexpo.com or call (208) 290-2701