Contact:
News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Lizz Harmon at 813-621-7821, Ext. 252
OR floridastatefairpr@harmontampa.com

TAMPA, FL - January 29, 2007 - Horse fans and future equestrians won't want to miss the horse shows and competitions held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center throughout the 2007 Florida State Fair. Hundreds of equestrians will saddle up for these events, showcasing their top-notch riding skills for the chance to win trophies, ribbons and cash prizes.

American Paint Horse Show, presented by Suncoast Bedding Products - Feb. 2-4 at 9:00 a.m., Charlie Lykes Arena - These colorful horses will compete in Halter, English, Western and Speed events.

American Quarter Horse Show, presented by Freightliner SportChassis - Feb. 2-4 at 8:00 a.m., Sundowner Covered Ring - These heavily muscled, compact horses will demonstrate their versatility in numerous classes of Western Pleasure, Showmanship, Hunter Under Saddle and Jumping.

Equine Encounter - Daily (Feb. 8-19) from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Equestrian Center - Jonnie, horse lover extraordinaire, will teach guests firsthand the basics of grooming and horse care.

Mule and Miniature Donkey Show - Feb. 8-9 at 9:00 a.m., Sundowner Covered Ring, West Ring, and the Southern Equipment & Machinery Gran Prix Ring - Mules and miniature donkeys from as far away as Ohio compete in halter, showmanship, trail, as well as English, western and driving classes.

Carriage and Driving Horse Show - Feb. 10-11 at 10:00 a.m., Southern Equipment & Machinery Gran Prix Ring - Participants will compete in several impressive events, so remarkable they are almost regal in their presentation. The skill and finesse of these fine drivers and horses is a sight to see as they navigate complex courses, obstacles and patterns.

Miniature Horse Show - Feb. 10 at 10:00 a.m. in the West Ring, Feb. 11 at 10:00 a.m. in the Sundowner Covered Ring - The Miniature is similar to a full-sized horse in its orientation, strength and agility. Youth and adult showmanship, obstacle driving and jumping will all be part of their competition at the Fair.

Draft Horse Show - Feb. 12 at noon, Feb. 13 at 10:00 a.m., Southern Equipment & Machinery Gran Prix Ring - This event features draft breeds of horses including Clydesdales, Belgians, Percherons and Shires showing in halter and hitch classes. The six-horse hitch class begins at noon on Feb. 12 with six teams expected to compete.

Mounted Law Enforcement Training and Critique - Feb. 13 at 9:00 a.m. and Feb. 14-15 at 1:30 p.m., Sundowner Covered Ring and West Ring - This event is open to sworn law enforcement officers and non-sworn posse members. It showcases their roles and abilities in obstacle training, fleeing felon apprehension, crowd control techniques as well as equitation and tactical formation riding.

Draft Horse Pull - Feb. 15 at noon, Southern Equipment & Machinery Gran Prix Ring - Much like today's tractor pulls, these competitions offer lots of action and drama. For the teams, it's distance that counts as they are challenged to pull a weighted sleigh as far as they can. Light weights begin at noon and heavy weights begin 45 minutes after light weights competition concludes.

Farrier's Clinic and Competition - Feb. 16 at 9:00 a.m. in the MannaPro Pony Ring, Feb. 17 at 9:00 a.m. in Charlie Lykes Arena - Watch and learn as blacksmiths work against the clock to show the audiences the proper techniques used for shoeing a horse.

Rocky Mountain Horse Show - Feb. 16 at 8:30 a.m. in the Sundowner Covered Ring, Feb. 17 at 8:30 a.m. in West/Annex Ring - In this Class A show, colts, fillies, mares, stallions and geldings compete. Show consists of Halter Classes, Under Saddle Classes, as well as novice, amateur, Western and Open Pleasure competitions.

Tennessee Walking, Racking and Spotted Saddle Horse Show - Feb. 16 at 6:00 p.m., Feb. 17 at 6:00 p.m., Sundowner Covered Ring - A calm, docile temperament, combined with naturally smooth and easy gaits ensure the popularity of these beautiful horses.

Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Competition and Demonstration - Competition on Feb. 17, Demonstration on Feb. 18, at 1:00 p.m., Southern Equipment & Machinery Gran Prix Ring - Precision movements are performed to a musical score by riders and their horses, carts and drivers. This competition counts as a qualifying ride towards the State Championship in November 2007.

Pinto Horse Show - Feb. 17-18 at 8:30 a.m., Sundowner Covered Ring - These Pinto horses, with their dual-colored coat patterns, will showcase their skills in several different areas of competition.

Mighty Mites and Friends, sponsored by Landig Tractor Co. - Feb. 12, Feb. 13, Feb. 16 and Feb. 18. at noon and 2:00 p.m.; Special times: Feb. 15 at noon and 3:00 p.m. and Feb. 17 at noon, Charlie Lykes Arena - Captivating performances feature full-sized and miniature horses that march, bow, lie down and stand on their hind feet.

All of these free (with Fair admission) events will be held in and around the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center complex on the west side of the fairgrounds. Horse trailers provided by Sundowner Horse Trailers, the official horse trailer company of the Florida State Fair.

With all this and so much more entertainment found "Nowhere But the Fair," it is still Florida's best entertainment value at $10 for adults, $5 for children ages six to 11, and free admission for kids five and younger. Parking is free, compliments of Olin Mott Tire Stores and trolley services are provided by Red BaronR.

Advance discount tickets are available for purchase now in person at the Fair Box Office, at participating PublixR Super Markets, and at www.floridastatefair.net.

For more information, visit www.floridastatefair.com or call 1-800-345-FAIR (3247). Media contact for the Feb. 8-19, 2007 State Fair is Lizz Harmon at 813-621-7821, ext. 252. For more information on the horse shows, please contact the Horse Show office at 813-740-3500.

The Florida State Fair Authority presents the 103rd Annual State Fair - always in Tampa, always in February - in association with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner.