Horse experts will share their knowledge and skills with those who love the equine athletes but don’t know a lot of about them at the grand opening of Ironton’s Horse Arena on Saturday.

The arena is the project of the Lawrence County Horseman’s Association whose goal is to expand tourism in the city and get more people interested in equine sports.

The daylong event will offer a variety of demonstrations and lectures taking in both Western and English style of horsemanship.

Chesapeake-based veterinarian, Dr. Steve Walker, will give lectures on vaccines, equine diseases and teeth maintenance. There will also be demonstrations on barrel racing, jumping, cow-cutting and Western showmanship.

There will also be a stable where visitors can pet horses and pony and horse rides will be offered for $2.

Booths set up around the arena will provide information on the horseman association; Adkins Quarter Horse Facility; Ohio University Southern, Elkins Creek Horse Camp, Tractor Supply, Freedom Farms, Heart of Phoenix Horse Rescue, Marla Matheny Equine Therapists and Mark Connell-Photography.

The arena is located at the South Ironton Industrial Park, off South Third Street.

 

SCHEDULE:

• 11 a.m. — Opening ceremony

• noon — Cowboy mounted shooting

• 1 p.m. — Extreme cowboy challenge demonstration

• 1:30 p.m. — Dr. Steve Walker lecture on vaccines and diseases

• 2 p.m. — Barrel racing

• 2:30 p.m. — Cow cutting

• 3 p.m. — Jumping

• 3 p.m. — Extreme cowboy challenge demonstration

• 3:30 p.m. — Dr. Steve Walker lecture on teeth maintenance

• 4 p.m. — Western pleasure and showmanship

• 4:30 p.m. — Cutting demonstration

• 5 p.m. — Cowboy mounted shooters