University of Arkansas 11th Annual Horse Festival

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The University of Arkansas Horse Festival offers something for everyone; an entertaining and educational experience that benefits a truly unique and wonderful program for University of Arkansas students!

This year’s University of Arkansas Horse Festival shows feature renowned performer Tommie Turvey, high speed drill teams, rare horse breeds, a Dressage Grand Champion from Holland, a trained zonkey and many demonstrations by champion horses from drafts to miniatures. 

Tommie Turvey and his horses have been featured in television commercials, rodeos, horse expos and shows around the world. Turvey is a professional stunt man, most recently in Batman, Larry the Cable Guy's "Witless Protection," and HBO's Mini Series John Adams. He has been featured on RFD-TV with Clinton Anderson, Pat and Linda Parelli, and in Rick Lamb’s The Horse Show. 

• Free to the public: Information booths, horse breed and club information and numerous vendors will be in the Whitaker Arena foyer and classrooms on Friday evening and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Various breeds of horses will be on display from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday. A roping demonstration and training clinic is scheduled for Saturday 9 to 11 a.m.
• Friday, April 9: Tommie Turvey will conduct a clinic at 7 p.m. at Whitaker Arena on Trick Horse Training and Riding. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5 per person. (children 8 and under free).
• Saturday, April 10: Two Festival shows will be held in Whitaker Arena at noon and at 3:30 p.m. Come see Turvey and his horses jump through flaming hoops and other incredible tricks. Festival Shows additionally feature rare horse breeds, champion horses, draft horses, beautiful carriages and champion border collies herding sheep. All seats are $10 per person. Tickets will be sold at the door.

Proceeds help to support the D.E. King Equine Program at the University of Arkansas, a predominantly self-funded program. For more details visit the Horse Festival Web site.

The Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Arena is at 1335 W. Knapp (off Garland south of Interstate 540).