All Breed Equine Carnival caters to enthusiasts

     By Sonya Padgett
     View staff writer
      Horse lovers, horse owners or families just looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon will find something at the All Breed Equine Carnival, set for Oct. 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Horseman's Park, 5800 E. Flamingo Road.
      The carnival, sponsored by the Las Vegas Arabian Horse Association, will have a variety of kids' activities, demonstrations, booths, crafts and items for sale, carnival spokeswoman Karen Hennessy said.
      The purpose of the carnival, in its 14th year, is to show the different breeds of horses at their finest as a way to educate the public about horses.
      Just about every breed of horse can be seen at the carnival, from Arabians, Paints, Quarter horses, Saddle Bred and Paso Finos -- the "Cadillac of Horses."
      "A horse is a horse is a horse," Hennessy said. "It doesn't matter the breed."
      Nearly 40 booths offering information on clubs, equipment, art and other equine-related activities will be set up.
      "Everything you would need for a horse you'll find at the carnival," Hennessy said.
      People are invited to bring equipment they'd like to sell, such as bridles, saddles and other horse items, and the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is offering dogs for adoption. A tarot card reader will also be on hand to add a true carnival feel to the atmosphere, Hennessy said.
      Several raffles will be held, with prizes to include donations from veterinarians, horse related art, lawn furniture and free breedings, among other things.
      Mare owners looking to breed their horses will have a unique opportunity to win a free stallion breeding through a raffle, Hennessy said. Several stallion owners have donated free breedings as a way to advertise their services.
      Every stallion will have a drawing, so about 15 raffle participants will receive a service valued anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for only $25, which is the price of a raffle ticket.
      The raffle caters specifically to horse owners, Hennessy said, but the stallion showings make for great entertainment and the public is welcome to watch.
      Local breeder David LeFranc owns three stallions and is planning to bring his newest, Mandate, to the stallion raffle.
      "The best way to advertise a stallion is to have babies on the ground," LeFranc said.
      Giving away a breeding is good for the breeder and mare owner because they're both getting something for almost nothing: The breeder advertises his stallion and the mare owner gets a baby, LeFranc said. Plus, it's an opportunity to educate the public about horses.
      LeFranc said people who have wanted to attend in the past but never have should come this year because all stallions will be raffled off instead of only one or two, as in previous carnivals.
      "I think everybody who's horse minded should go, especially the kids," LeFranc said.
      There will also be riding demonstrations, including Western and English/Hunter Pleasure, to wow the crowd, Hennessy said.
      The Silver State Miniature Horse Club for children with disabilities will give demonstrations of miniature horses pulling wagons. The Silver State Therapeutic Riders, formerly known as Happy Horsemen, are also expected to make an appearance.
      A local teacher has volunteered to provide kid-related activities, from three-legged races to a variety of games.
      Admission is free and food and drinks will be available on a donation basis, Hennessy said.
      "This will be fun," Hennessy said. "It's not competitive, it's just for fun."
      An attack dog demonstration will also be presented during the carnival. One popular attraction that's returning this year is the equine/people masseuse, Gabrielle Pullam. Last year, Pullam didn't stop working.
      "Everybody wants a massage," Hennessy said.
      The cost of a booth is $10 for nonprofit organizations, $35 for all others. Those interested in having a booth can call Hennessy at 396-4202.