There’s a lot of horsing around planned this weekend in Central Iowa. The Iowa Horse Council’s annual Horse Fair is this weekend at the State fairgrounds in Des Moines. Organizer Sally Blount says animal disease is an example of an issue for which the Horse Council serves as an information clearing-house. She hears from research groups including Colorado State as well as veterinarians — equine practitioners groups — on health problems like EVA (equine viral arteritis), West Nile and Lyme Disease which is become a serious problem. Explaining this is a fair and exhibition, not a competitive event, Blount says the fair has many components, including a long list of events for youth. Another is “clinician” events, bringing in many experts the horse owners and handlers want to watch and learn from. There’s a trade show in the Varied Industries Building, with everything from books to trailers to “horse jewelry” and attire for the wannabee as well as the serious horse person. Blount says in addition to nearly 400 members, there are many more in affiliated organizations like the Iowa Quarterhorse Council. It’s a conduit, she says, an umbrella group for horse organizations to work through, and the Council’s really “into educating.” The Horse Fair is open to the public Saturday and Sunday — see their website for more, at www.iowahorsecouncil.org/
