Open Stables Day
Open
Stables Day invites public
to tour area horse farms
By
Helen E. McKinney
Contributing Writer
(April 2002) GOSHEN, Ky. – The second annual Open
Stable Day will take place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April
20. This Kentucky Horse Council-sponsored event is free to visitors.
Several horse farms and stables in central and north Kentucky are scheduled
to participate. Visitors may take self-guided tours to as many participating
stables throughout the day as they would like to tour.
The purpose of such an event is to enable people to learn about different
breeds of horses, horse care and training, and for stables to showcase
their facilities. Many area stables will be providing special demonstrations
throughout the day.
Each stable offers a look at different aspects of the equine business.
One advantage to the event is that visitors can learn what each unique
stable has to offer year-round.
 |
|
Traci
Coats |
Over the Top Stables, located in Goshen, Ky., promotes
the horse industry as a family oriented activity. Instructor and trainer
Andrea Ariatti said that on the day of the event, Over the Top Stables
would offer lessons from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Different demonstrations
will be ongoing and refreshments will be served.
Throughout the year, other activities at Over The Top Stables include
a Pee Wee Riding Program, clinics, horse shows and a summer camp for
beginners and advanced riders.
This is the first year the stable has participated in Open Stables Day,
said trainer Traci Comer.
One eastern Shelby County participant is Kamp Kessa, an equine assisted
growth and learning wilderness program.
Kamp Kessa functions as part of a non-profit agency, Sheltered Risks
Inc.
Kamp Kessa offers a therapeutic riding program for children with behavioral
disorders.
“We are putting together a little snapshot in time” for the
tour, said co-director Dr. Thecla Howard.
She is assisted by her husband, Dr. Anthony Howard. Their goal is to
provide a camp at which children learn to raise their self-esteem and
foster social skills.
On Open Stables Day, visitors can also expect to see tack and feed vendors.
As at many other stables, refreshments will be provided. Equine artist
Elizabeth Helmbrecht Morris will be another attraction at Kamp Kessa.
Another Shelby County participant is Dunwood Training Center, located
on Hwy. 53, five miles north of Hwy. 60. Corinne Bradley and Isabelle
Allemang own Dunwood.
This event provides stables and equine facilities such as Dunwood the
opportunity to attract new customers, promote their breeding plan and
sell horses and related equipment.
Bradley said guest instructor Billie Stewart will provide a dressage
clinic from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stewart has 25 years experience as a riding
instructor and trainer.
A stable does not have to be a member of the Kentucky Horse Council
to participate in this event.
The non-profit Kentucky Horse Council was created with the goal of playing
an active role in supporting and strengthening Kentucky’s horse
industry.
• For more information, call 1-800-459-4677 or visit the website at: www.kentuckyhorse.org.