The New York State Miniature Horse Club (NYSMHC) invites horse owners and the general public to Spring Clinic 2003, a first annual showcase event. Nationally recognized experts will give presentations on training, hoof trimming, nutrition, and showing miniature horses. A "Presentation of Stallions" will open the event at noon, followed by presentations of miniature horses driving carts and wagons - single and multiple hitch - jumping, and completing obstacle courses.

Miniature horses on display at the clinic are less than 34 includes in height (measured at the base of the mane). Known as "the horse for everyone," miniature horses are easier to keep and handle than standard horses. While horseback riding on minis is restricted to young children, these friendly horses are quick to learn cart and wagon driving, halter showmanship, and halter jumping performance skills.

Spring Clinic 2003 features speaker/clinician Lee Crutchfield, from Aloha Training Center in Cameron, North Carolina. Crutchfield will speak and demonstrate on a variety of topics, including diet and nutrition, conditioning, show clipping and wrapping, show attire, training methods and tips for halter exhibitors. Crutchfield has trained and shown numerous AMHA National Champions and Tops Tens and is recognized as one of the top trainers in the miniature horse industry. He is a qualified judge for two national miniature horse associations.

Another feature of the clinic will be a presentation by Linda Best on "Correct Hoof Trimming of the Miniature Horse." Best is a farrier from Stratham, New Hampshire, with over 20 years experience in foot care for large and small horses.

The "Presentation of Stallions" kicks off the clinic at noon and the horses will be available for viewing on Stallion Avenue until 4 p.m. NYSMHC members and Kateland Farms will demonstrate driving single minis, driving multiple hitch minis, miniature horse jumping and miniature horse obstacle course performance from 2 to 4 p.m.

Spring Clinic 2003 will be held in Kateland Farms' indoor arena, rain or shine, from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 13. Admission is $2 per person, youth 12 and under are free. Refreshments will be available; bring a lawn chair.

Kateland Farms is located on 3990 Lake Road: from Route 31, west of the village of Holley, turn south on Lake Road and look for Kateland Farms on the right. For a program flyer or other information, contact NYSMHC President Laura Mullen at 607-868-3938 or winectry@aol.com.