Rare Horses to be Featured at Virginia Equine Extravaganza April 22-24
Submitted by: Vicki O’Hara
Phone: (410) 647-3800
Email Address: vicki(at)equineextravaganza.com
Date Added: 4/13/2005
Richmond, VA – Say the word "horse," and most people conjure up images of common pleasure horses such as the Quarter Horse, Morgan, or Palomino. Others may think of a sleek Thoroughbred thundering around a track.
But say "horse" to Victoria Tollman, and she's likely to describe the Caspian, which once pulled the chariots of ancient Persia, or the Spanish mustangs that came to the U.S. with the conquistadores 400 to 500 years ago.
Ms. Tollman, of Dobson, N.C. is executive director of the Equus Survival Trust, a new nonprofit organization that seeks to educate the public about rare and endangered horse breeds. She estimates there are 30 such domestic and foreign breeds represented in America, and she will have a number of them on display at the Virginia Equine Extravaganza, April 22 – 24, at the Richmond Raceway Complex.
"We're trying to save a piece of history," Ms. Tollman said. "But these aren't museum pieces. These are animals that need to go out and do a job. They've been useful, some for thousands of years. They have a lot going for them."
The inclusion of these rare breeds is a new feature of this second annual equine expo, which is one of the largest events of its kind on the East Coast. The rare breeds will be featured in daily demonstrations and in the evening cabaret show Equus Extraordinaire, along with some of the country's best trick riders and precision riding teams.
The public will have the chance to see these rare breeds up close in the Breed Pavilion, where they can browse the information tables and booths, talk with breeders, and learn how they can participate in efforts to save them.
Possible participants include the critically endangered Cleveland Bay, which number only about 300 worldwide, the American Cream Draft, the only draft horse indigenous to the U.S., and the rare British Fell pony.
"We’re excited to be able to include these rare breeds in this year's show," said Virginia Equine Extravaganza President Vicki O'Hara. "Not only do they add a unique element to our event, but this provides a great opportunity to raise awareness of the tenuous future of some of these breeds."
For times and locations of the breed parades and rare breed demonstrations, check the Virginia Equine Extravaganza web site at www.equineextravaganza.com or call 410-647-3800. For more information on the Equus Survival Trust, visit their website at: www.Equus-Survival-Trust.org or send an e-mail to EquusSurvivalTrust@yahoo.com.
Rare Horses to be Featured at Virginia Equine Extravaganza April 22-24
Note to Editors: News, feature and photo/video opportunities are available to you related to these rare breeds at the Virginia Equine Extravaganza. Contact us at 410-647-3800 so that we can accommodate your needs. Free press passes and press kits will be available to media representatives.
To reach Victoria Tollman:
Equus Survival Trust
Victoria Tollman,
Executive Director
125 Edwards Farm Lane
Dobson, NC 27107
(336) 374-7660
Fax: (952) 487-8958
breeds@equineextravaganza.com
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