Horse owner seminar focuses on equine behavior and riding skills

Equine behavior, ground manners, communication skills and riding skills will be the central topics at the 15th Annual Seminar for the Serious Horse Owner on Saturday, Feb. 14.

The program, sponsored by the School of Veterinary Medicine, will be held from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Stock Pavilion on the UW–Madison campus.

The seminar is an opportunity for horse owners, at all levels, to learn more about equine behavior, how the horse’s mind differs from the human mind, how to instill ground manners, and the importance of balance and communication in riding.

This year’s clinician, Julie Goodnight, owns and operates a training stable in Poncha Springs, Colo. Known for her logical style of teaching and her ability to bridge natural horsemanship techniques with the principles of classical riding, she is a frequent speaker and clinician at clinics, horse fairs and conferences. Goodnight has more than 20 years of experience working with horses. Her background ranges from dressage and jumping to racing, reining and wilderness riding.

General admission for the event is $40. A group rate of $35 is available for groups of five or more. For more information or to register, call Karen Meinholz at (608) 265-5206 or Judy Dvorak at (608) 263-6266. A complete brochure, including registration information, is available online.