Ladin is the award-winning co-author of the best-selling book Secretariat’s Meadow – The Land, The Family, The Legend. She also wrote Riva Ridge – Penny’s First Champion and The State Fair of Virginia – More Than A Midway. She has been involved with The Meadow Event Park, the birthplace of 1973 Triple Crown champion Secretariat and home of the State Fair, for several years. She created and manages a “Hoofprints of History” tram tour program, organizes the annual Secretariat birthday celebration and is working to achieve a national historical designation for the property. She also serves on the board of the Museum of the Virginia Horse. As an author, speaker and former horse farm owner, she has broad ties to national and local horse communities.

Ladin also has an extensive background in marketing, communications and event management. She was a vice president of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and held positions in the Virginia Department of Economic Development and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Most recently she was president of her own small business, Free Rein Writing, which she founded in 2000.

As equine director, Ladin will plan and promote a year-round schedule of programs and horse shows, including the equine events at the State Fair, to attract the equestrian market and exhibitors from across the United States. One of her key projects will be managing the annual Equine Extravaganza, a major regional horse exposition that recently was purchased by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and will be held at The Meadow Event Park in November. Ladin also will continue to develop events and activities related to the Secretariat legacy at The Meadow.

“For a lifelong horse lover and a Secretariat historian, this is the ultimate dream job,” Ladin said. “Every day I come to this timeless piece of land, I feel like I’m working at a national treasure. There is so much potential here, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the exciting vision that the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation has for The Meadow Event Park and the State Fair.”

The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County is the birthplace of Secretariat and home to the State Fair of Virginia. It is operated by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, which is committed to preserving Virginia’s rich agricultural heritage and ensuring that The Meadow thrives as a regional event and equine venue.

Contact Greg Hicks, vice president of communications, at 804-290-1139.

The new permanent location for the three-day equestrian trade show will be The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County, the birthplace of Secretariat. The dates for this year’s show are November 1-3.

Farm Bureau recently entered into an agreement to assume full ownership of The Meadow Event Park. Jeff Dillon, VFBF treasurer and senior vice president of finance & business services, said the organization recognizes “the tremendous potential of The Meadow to become a major equine events facility for this region. Our purchase of the Equine Extravaganza is a big step in that direction, and we intend to create a fitting home for the Extravaganza and other events of its caliber.

“We are pleased to bring to the table an adaptable event space and equine complex, a strategic location on the I-95 corridor and the unique historic significance of the property.”

Dillon also noted that Leeanne Meadows Ladin, recently named director of equine events and Secretariat programs at The Meadow Event Park, will be the new director of the Equine Extravaganza. She will work closely with previous owner Vicki O’Hara in planning and managing the 2013 show.

The Virginia Equine Extravaganza provides a wealth of educational and entertainment activities to thousands of attendees. It typically features leading experts in the industry who offer dozens of clinics, demonstrations and exhibits on horse training and management. It also showcases a wide variety of horse breeds and riding disciplines and offers lively family entertainment and a trade show that features more than 100 vendors.

Details about the 2013 Virginia Equine Extravaganza will be shared at EquineExtravaganza.com as they become available. Potential vendors are encouraged to take advantage of the early-bird rates for booth space.

The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County is the birthplace of Secretariat and home to the State Fair of Virginia. It is operated by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, which is committed to preserving Virginia’s rich agricultural heritage and ensuring that The Meadow thrives as a regional event and equine venue.

Contact Greg Hicks, vice president of communications, at 804-290-1139

On November 3, 2012, UHC Director, Ericka Caslin, went to Richmond, Virginia to judge the inaugural Rags to Riches Horse Rescue Competition at the Equine Extravaganza. Along with fellow judges Harry de Leyer, one of the most successful show jumpers and trainers in America, Elizabeth Letts, author of the book The Eighty Dollar Champion:  Snowman, The Horse that Inspired a Nation, and Elizabeth Shatner, philanthropist for the All Glory project, Caslin saw ten rescue horses over the course of the day. These ten finalists were chosen out of many entries, based on video submissions received since July. The breeds showcased ranged from Quarter Horses, Paints, to off the track Thoroughbreds, a Percheron/TB cross, and Appaloosas.

During the first part of the competition, the finalists presented their horses’ stories to the judges. “A few stories really stood out,” said Caslin. “Some of these horses were on the brink of death, and to see that someone cared enough to give them a second chance at life is really incredible. What is even more amazing to me is that these horses are competing successfully in disciplines such as dressage and eventing. These stories were very heart warming and emotional.”

In this round, the horses and riders or handlers were judged on a scale from one to ten on the passion and allure of the story behind the horse’s rescue, how far the horse has come since its rescue, and if the horse would be a good role model for the equine rescue industry.

The second part of the competition was moved to the outdoor arena of the Equine Extravaganza. The horse and rider/handler combinations were able to utilize 3 minutes to demonstrate to the judges their horses’ talents.  The horse and rider/handler combinations were judged on a scale of one to ten on the compatibility of horse and rider, how far the horse has come since its rescue, the horses’ healthy appearance, the creativity of the performance, and how well the performance was executed.

“The horse and rider combinations really got creative during the arena demonstration of the Rags to Riches competition. We saw a horse play soccer, we saw a rider ride her horse bareback with a flag, we saw a lunging demonstration, a barrel racing demonstration, and we saw some really fantastic dressage tests,” said Caslin

After tallying up all the points, the win went to ‘How Do You Like Me Now’ and his rider, Caitlin Schoemmell. ‘How Do You Like Me Now’ was rescued in 2010 and had an initial body score of 1.5. His first day of training was May of 2010 and he went to his first show in May of 2011. He was won many championships at shows and is now jumping 2’6” courses and is safe enough for children to ride. His owner, Caitlin, helps educate people about rescuing horses and the joys a rescue horse can bring to people’s lives.

Second place honors went to ‘Box of Chocolates’ and her rider, Brittany Kuntz. ‘Box of Chocolates’, fondly called ‘Cocoa’ around the barn, was rescued from the Camelot auction in 2010. She was so badly injured, that she walked on the insides of her feet. Brittany and her mother were not sure if Cocoa could ever be ridden, but they were willing to save her to keep at their farm. After using the Parelli method to initially trainer her, Cocoa is now successfully competing in horse trials, consistently placing, and jumping 3’ regularly.

Days End Chino and Emily Benton earned third place honors. After being rescued from a farm in MD and receiving a body condition score of 1.5, vets were not sure if Chino would live. With a lot of love, care, and training, Chino thrived and was able to be adopted into a forever home in September 2010. He is now competing successfully in dressage and eventing competitions.

The rescue chosen by the winner of the Rags to Riches competition received a prize package from A Home for Every Horse.

“It was such an honor to judge the inaugural Rags to Riches Horse Rescue Competition at the Equine Extravaganza. There were so many people there to cheer on their favorite horse and rider combinations; it was a pleasure to be a part of it and we hope it will continue to grow each year. It’s incredible to see so many horses that have been saved and have thrived in their new situations, and these are just ten of the many!” said Caslin

For more information about joining the UHC or unwanted horses, please visit the UHC website at www.unwantedhorsecoalition.org or contact Ericka Caslin at ecaslin@horsecouncil.org.

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The Unwanted Horse Coalition

The mission of the Unwanted Horse Coalition is to reduce the number of unwanted horses and improve their welfare through education and the efforts of organizations committed to the health, safety and responsible care and disposition of these horses. The UHC grew out of the Unwanted Horse Summit, which was organized by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and held in conjunction with the American Horse Council’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C., in April 2005. The summit was held to bring key stakeholders together to start a dialogue on the unwanted horse in America. Its purpose was to develop consensus on the most effective way to work together to address the issue. In June 2006, the UHC was folded into the AHC and now operates under its auspices.

Ericka Caslin

Director, Unwanted Horse Coalition

American Horse Council

1616 H Street, NW

7th Floor

Washington, DC 20006

202.296.4031

202.296.1970 (fax)

www.unwantedhorsecoalition.org

www.horsecouncil.org

The event, which features hundreds of vendor booths, clinicians and performers and all breeds of horses and disciplines, is one of the largest of its kind on the East Coast.  Equine Extravaganza’s Horse Rescue Initiative is dedicated to highlighting horses in need of new homes and the rescues that support them.

They use rescue horses in clinics and demonstrations whenever possible and also gives rescue and adoption groups the opportunity to promote their organization, find new volunteers, increase awareness for their cause and help find homes for horses in their care.   Equine Extravaganza also hosts the “Rags To Riches” Talent Search, in which horses from rescue and adoption programs show the public their talents and skills.

The USTA sponsorship will ensure that several Standardbreds are featured at Equine Extravaganza.  “The Standardbred is an intelligent, athletic and willing animal that can excel in virtually any discipline off the racetrack,” said USTA Executive Vice President Mike Tanner.  “We are happy to support Equine Extravaganza’s efforts to showcase horses of all breeds that need a second chance and hope that other registries will do the same.   We all have a lot to gain when the widest possible audience sees what our horses can do.”

“The United States Trotting Association (USTA) exemplifies the role breed registries fill for their horses,” said Vicki O’Hara, event organizer.   “USTA was so enthusiastic about the mission of getting horses adopted and quickly acted to support not only Standardbreds, but the Horse Rescue initiative in general,” O’Hara said. “We hope to have the opportunity to work with other registries in our efforts to help the rescues find homes for these great horses.”

In addition to several Standardbreds, rescued horses represented at Equine Extravaganza will include Arabians, Shires, Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, Morgans and more.

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About Equine Extravaganza

Equine Extravaganza®, a production of Maryland-based Moonlark, Inc., is a comprehensive, all-breed, all-discipline horse expo, and is one of the largest of its kind on the East Coast. The eighth annual event will be held Nov. 2–4, 2012 at the Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond, Virginia, and will feature hundreds of the country’s top equine vendors, sponsors, clinicians, performers and professionals.

It’s not just an expo, it’s an extravaganza!

Equine Extravaganza
November 2–4, 2012
Richmond Raceway Complex
Richmond, VA
www.equineextravaganza.com

A good fit to reach deeply into the horse industry

Richmond, Virginia (Aug. 28, 2012): When searching for just the right partner to publish Equine Extravaganza’s 2012 event program, one magazine stood out as the perfect match. The Horse & Livestock Trader Magazine has been a dominate force in the horse industry in VA, NC, MD, eastern TN and eastern WV for over 15 years. It reaches a broad base of horse lovers, recreational riders and hobby farmers as well as the more traditional performance and show horse enthusiast in the very market served by Equine Extravaganza. Based originally on bringing buyers and sellers together for all types of horses, The Horse and Livestock Trader has evolved into a celebration of all breeds and disciplines of horses, a trait shared by Equine Extravaganza.

It was with these great demographics and shared audience in mind, that the Equine Extravaganza joined with Horse & Livestock Trader to publish the event program. “It’s a natural fit,” says event organizer Vicki O’Hara. “Kandi Sterling, the editor of Horse & Livestock Trader, has a great business sense and a vision of how to maximize the experience for the program advertisers. For us, it’s all about giving our exhibitors the most exposure possible for the best value. And Kandi understand that.”

And value ist want the advertisers will receive. The October issue of Horse & Livestock Trader will feature a complete schedule of events and other information for those planning to attend the event. The Horse & Livestock Trader will also produce and publish the official Program for the 2012 Equine Extravaganza, to be held Nov. 2–4. To celebrate the partnership with Equine Extravaganza, the Horse & Livestock Trader is offering a SPECIAL PACKAGE RATE for Program and magazine ads of up to 20% off.

Because of their unique business model, the Horse & Livestock trader offers one of the highest readership for some of the lowest advertising rates in the industry, a huge draw for Equine Extravaganza advertisers. As a result they boast exceptional participation and interaction from a wide range horse people. Owners are able to offer horses for sale in photos ads, beginning at FREE. Commercial advertisers also benefit from economical advertising, reaching deep into their target market for minimal costs.

“Our readers are characterized as horse lovers, from mini’s to draft horses, including all kinds of Gaited horses, hunters and jumpers, all disciplines of western and dressage. We are excited to partner with The Equine Extravaganza, an event which appeals to our reader base which include a diverse range of horse enthusiasts,” says Sterling. “Our readers will be eager to get their hands on the Equine Extravaganza schedule and clinician list and the event will appeal to each and every one of our readers, both from an educational as well as an entertainment perspective, all at a great value,” said Sterling.

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About Equine Extravaganza Equine Extravaganza®, a production of Maryland-based Moonlark, Inc., is a comprehensive, all-breed, all-discipline horse and dog expo, an equestrian college fair, and Horse Rescue Initiative and is one of the largest of its kind on the East Coast. The eighth annual event will be held Nov.2–4, 2012 at the Richmond Raceway Complex in Richmond, Virginia, and will feature hundreds of the country’s top equine vendors, sponsors, clinicians, performers and professionals.

It’s not just an expo, it’s an extravaganza!

About the Horse and Livestock Trader: The Horse & Livestock Trader is a subscription based magazine which can also be purchased at one of nearly 1,000 locations throughout the region. It features horses and livestock offered for sale, horse related articles, and products and services for all breeds and all horse enthusiasts.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATIONEricka Caslin, Director

Unwanted Horse Coalition

202-296-4031

ecaslin@horsecouncil.org

August 31, 2012

Equine Extravaganza, with Rags-to-Riches Talent Search, Collaborates with Unwanted Horse Coalition

Washington, DC – August 21, 2012. The Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) announces its newest member, Equine Extravaganza.

Equine Extravaganza is a Mid-Atlantic region equine trade show that occurs in Richmond, Virginia in November each year. This year marks Equine Extravaganza’s eighth anniversary and the event will occur between November 2nd and 4th. The mission of the Equine Extravaganza is to provide an annual comprehensive horse industry exposition that will promote all aspects of the Mid-Atlantic horse industry and offer a variety of educational opportunities for horse enthusiasts of all types and across all disciplines.

The Rags-to-Riches Talent Search is the newest feature of Equine Extravaganza’s Horse Rescue Initiative, which aims to promote the adoption of unwanted horses and aid for rescue groups. The Rags-to-Riches Talent Search will feature rescued superstar horses and their comeback journey, giving the selected rescuers and their rescued steeds the chance to share their story and strut their stuff for Equine Extravaganza fans, both online and at the event.

The competition, which will be held on November 3rd at the Equine Extravaganza, will feature these rescued horses’ talents that may range from jumping, dressage, liberty work, flatwork, tricks, barrels, or other unique abilities. The horses’ stories may be equally as heartwarming and entertaining as their talents. The goals of the competition are to showcase the rescued horses’ talents, highlight their potential as spectacular partners, and educate attendees about rescued horses and horse rescues in an effort to increase support for horse rescues nationwide.

The panel of celebrity judges will include, Harry De Layer, owner of Snowman, and Elizabeth Letts, author of The Eighty Dollar Champion, the story of Harry and Snowman. The judges will select the winner of the Rags-to-Riches competition and the winner will be awarded a cash prize. A special care package will be given to a rescue of the owner’s choice.

“Equine Extravaganza is committed to encouraging adoption of unwanted horses whenever possible,” said Vicki O’Hara, President of Equine Extravaganza. “We began our Horse Rescue Initiative 3 years ago with a showcase of horses that are available for adoption. This year we’ve taken it a step further by including our Rags-to-Riches Rescue Horse Talent Search, which will give our attendees a flavor of the magic that can happen when these horses are given a second chance,”.

The UHC is a broad alliance of equine organizations that have joined together under the umbrella of the American Horse Council. The Coalition’s mission is to reduce the number of unwanted horses and to improve their welfare through education and the efforts of organizations committed to the health, safety, and responsible care and disposition of these horses.

“The Equine Extravaganza is an event that is truly dedicated to helping our nation’s unwanted horses and aiding rescue horses and facilities. The UHC is looking forward to collaborating with the Equine Extravaganza and the Rags-to-Riches Talent Search Competition,” said Ericka Caslin, UHC director.

For more information about Equine Extravaganza, the Rags-To-Riches Talent Search, and how you can enter your rescue horse, please visit http://www.equineextravaganza.com.

Additional information about the Unwanted Horse Coalition is available by logging on to www.unwantedhorsecoalition.org or by calling 202-296-4031.

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The Unwanted Horse Coalition

The mission of the Unwanted Horse Coalition is to reduce the number of unwanted horses and improve their welfare through education and the efforts of organizations committed to the health, safety and responsible care and disposition of these horses. The UHC grew out of the Unwanted Horse Summit, which was organized by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and held in conjunction with the American Horse Council’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C., in April 2005. The summit was held to bring key stakeholders together to start a dialogue on the unwanted horse in America. Its purpose was to develop consensus on the most effective way to work together to address the issue. In June 2006, the UHC was folded into the AHC and now operates under its auspices.