From dressage queen Jane Savoie to the “world famous” Clydesdales, the line-up at Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo has finesse and power rolled up into one exciting event this June.

Jane Savoie, one of the most recognized coaches in Olympic-level dressage, will bring the beauty and finesse of horses dancing dressage to her clinics at the Equine Expo. But when it comes to sheer power, Belgians, Percherons and Clydesdales are the musclemen of the equine world. They will be on display in full force in a variety of events and educational workshops under the watchful eye of draft horse expert, Jim Poole.

For over 20 years, Jim Poole worked with and managed Budweiser Clydesdale Operations at Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis, MO. At Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo from June 10 to 12, 2011, Poole will share his expertise and anecdotes from a lifelong career with draft horse hitches and teamsters.

“OFA recognizes the importance of the equine industry to rural Ontario and agriculture,” says Neil Currie, OFA’s General Manager. “We are proud to return as a major sponsor of Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo again and support the draft horse programming with Jim Poole.”

Originally from Manitoba and then Alberta and Ontario, Poole has bred and shown draft horses all of his life. In 1989, Poole moved to St. Louis for a position with the Budweiser Clydesdales. Beginning as the supervisor of the St. Louis hitch, he rose to operations manager, and then took over as the general manager of all operations in 1997. He served there until 2010, where he oversaw a herd of over 300 Clydesdales and all six of Budweiser’s traveling eight-horse hitches.

Budweiser began using Clydesdales for advertising in 1933 and eventually showcased them in Budweiser television ads. Under Poole’s direction, Budweiser also created an exclusive Clydesdale breeding farm at Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, MO.

At Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo, heavy horse enthusiasts will have the chance to learn and interact with Poole over the three days of the Expo taking place at the Iron Horse Equestrian Complex south of Milton.

“I am honoured to be a part of the draft horse offering at Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo,” says Poole. “Canadian horses and breeders are leaders in the draft horse industry. Not only will the Equine Expo provide a great thrill for visitors and exhibitors to see these magnificent animals in action - but it has the potential to play an important role in strengthening the growth of this industry in North America."

Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo will be held June 10 to 12 at the Iron Horse Equestrian Complex south of Milton, ON. For more information, visit www.EquineExpo.ca