John Lassetter, an internationally renowned dressage trainer and rider, will be helping to kick-off the inaugural Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo. John and his partner Charlotte have an equestrian training centre in Goodwood Park, West Sussex, England where they have been developing world-class dressage horses and riders.
On the last leg of a North American coaching tour, John Lassetter will be conducting dressage training clinics at Leatherstone Equestrian Centre in Guelph. Leatherstone head coach Aletia Townsend, who trains riders for dressage, show jumping and develops young horses for advanced levels of sport, is delighted to have Lassetter join her for these special clinics being offered this week. “John with his unique background at both the Spanish Riding School and Cadre Noir brings a vast amount of world-class experience that will help us to elevate the capabilities of our students and horses,” says Aletia.
Lassetter will be the special guest on opening day of Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo being held at the Arkell Research Station southeast of Guelph and a stone’s throw from Leatherstone. Along with a host of other special guests, equine specialists, trainers and dignitaries, Lassetter will attend the Equine Guelph Gala and Auction on Friday evening at the Equine Expo. This fundraising event, which will cap the first day of this four day event (June 4 – 7), will feature an auction with over $11,000 in items hitting the auctioneer’s block. Conducted by famed auctioneer, David Carson, with music from Rockwood’s Full Turnout Band, there will be lots to see, do and taste. Wine from Palatine Hills Estate Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake will accompany the local food delights served from the “There’s No Taste Like HOME” catering trailer operated by Ontario Corn Fed Beef and the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association.
There’s something for every bidder at the auction – from a Blackberry to riding lessons; from a special night at Mohawk Raceway to portraits of your favourite pet; and from feed supplements to a BBQ unit – the entire list is posted at www.EquineGuelph.ca.
Tickets for the Gala and Auction (starting at 5:00 pm on Friday) can be purchased in advance from Equine Guelph at 1-519-824-4129 Ext. 54205 or at the event for $20.00. Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo opens for previews at 2:00 pm on Friday, June 4th, and continues over the weekend for horse lovers and enthusiasts from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm on both Saturday and Sunday. On Monday, June 7th, the Equine Expo will concentrate on race horses with programming geared specifically to the Ontario race industry.
Admission for Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo is $15.00 for adults and $5.00 for youth. Weekend passes are available for $25.00. Except for Friday, the Expo will run from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Information is available at www.EquineExpo.ca or by calling 1-800-563-5441.
