The Great Alaska Horse Expo, begun last summer by former Anchor Point resident Allison Trimble, is making a return appearance at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds in Ninilchik this weekend.
Trimble and returning instructors Kimberly Barber and Kade Mills will teach the courses.
Barber is from Blaine, Wash., and began riding at the age of 5 as a member of the United States Pony Club. Mills is form Alberta, Canada, and has trained in Canada, Europe and the United States.
The three-day event begins with beginning jumping at 9 a.m. and intermediate jumping at 11 a.m. taught in the grandstand arena by Barber. From 2-6 p.m. Mills will teach roping.
Also on Friday, but in the small arena, Trimble will offer “horsemanship for everyone” from 9 a.m.1 p.m., followed by dressage techniques, focusing on developing better rider position and effectiveness, taught by Barber from 2-6 p.m.
On Saturday, Barber will teach a second class in jumping, with beginning at 9 a.m. and intermediate at 11 a.m., both in the grandstand arena. In the afternoon, Trimble will offer an introduction to cattle from 2-6 p.m., also in the grandstand arena.
Over in the small arena, Trimble will teach “body control — steering and stopping” from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., with Mills offering “developing the rope horse” from 2-6 p.m.
On Sunday, the expo wraps up with another full day. Mills will offer “improving the rope horse” from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the grandstand arena. Trimble has the afternoon with “improving the speed event horse” from 2-6 p.m.
In the small arena on Sunday, Barber will give a second course in dressage techniques, with a focus on improving suppleness and straightness, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mills has the afternoon, with “applied groundwork” from 2-6 p.m.
Clinics are $125 each. All clinics and stalls must be paid in advance. Release and consent forms must be signed by each participant. Weekend stall rates are $40 on a first-come basis, with a limited number available. Checks can be made payable to “Coastal Equine.”
Trimble has a degree in animal science from the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis, Obispo.
“Growing up with horses was a huge part of my childhood and I’ve turned it into my profession,” Trimble, who intends to make the expo an annual event, said.
