MANY years ago children had ample opportunities to learn that horses were an animal to be loved not feared and that came about primarily through pony rides being a popular pastime at fairs and social gatherings.
So when Tasmanian Pacing Club CEO John Devereux was given the task of finding ways to encourage the young ones of our community to get in touch with the equine species he decided to go back to basics.
In conjunction with Roberts Limited and some assisting sponsors the TPC will host the 2015 Mini Horse Expo at UBET Park Hobart at Elwick on Sunday afternoon (17 May) with activities kicking off at 3pm.
Needless to say the stars of the show were the horses, with mini trotters toting sulkies and driven by junior drivers decked out in full racing colours along with ponies that probably spend every weekend involved at pony club meets.
Students from grade four at Brighton Primary School attended the launch and what transpired was typical of what happens when you place a bunch of children amongst a bunch of horses.
“We decided to include school children with the launch because it is so important to take these wonderful animals to the people who are our future, not just in the harness racing industry but for the horses industry in general,” Devereux said.
The Horse Expo is open to the public from 3pm on Sunday at the Elwick Racecourse with loads of prizes and giveaways throughout the day with the focus being on the horses with Mini Trotting races programmed as well as free pony rides for children.
All interaction with the horses will be under strict supervision from professional horse handlers.
Also on display will be equine products and there will be education sessions on equine maintenance and care for those who already own horses.
“We expect this to be a great day out for the family and what better for kids to do on a Sunday afternoon that have a few rides on a pony,” Devereux said.