On June 1, the Lawrence County Horseman’s Association will get to christen a project they are hoping will benefit the Tri-State and bring visitors into Ironton.

That will be the opening of the horse arena in the South Ironton Industrial Park off South Third Street with an equine expo agenda.

“We are going to run shows ourselves there under the Lawrence County Horseman’s Association’s banner, but it will also be available for other horse organizations,” Flint Adkins, of the LCHA, said.

“They would rent the arena off of us. It would still be under our supervision.”

The arena, built by association volunteers, is 128 feet by 280 feet, featuring a dirt surface.

The expo will start at 11:30 a.m. with a Salute to the Red, White and Blue followed by an afternoon of demonstrations ranging from barrel racing to reining to jumping. Dr. Stephen Walker of the Equine Medical Center will provide a talk on horse health topics.

At 7 p.m. will be the fun show with a variety of classes from costume to egg and spoon to barrel racing. Entry fee is $2 per class with half going back to the winner.

“We are just trying to get horses in that arena as much as we can, as many different types of disciplines,” Adkins said. “We are doing anything we can to improve the equine industry and get people into Ironton.”

Demonstration Schedule

• Salute to Red, White and Blue — 11:30 a.m.

• Northern Ohio Cowboy Mounted Shooters — noon and 5 p.m.

• Extreme Cowboy Challenge — 1 and 3 p.m.

• Barrel Racing — 2 and 4 p.m.

• Western Pleasure and Showmanship — 3 p.m.

• Trail Riding Tips — 2 and 4 p.m.

• Reining — 1 p.m.

• Jumping — 2:30 p.m.

• Dr. Stephen Walker — 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.