Van Hargis returns to the NILE as 2011 featured clinician

BILLINGS, MT – The 2011 NILE will mark the return of renowned equine clinician Van Hargis of Sulphur Springs, TX, who has been called one of today’s most versatile horsemen. NILE attendees will remember Hargis as the featured clinician from 2006.

Hargis began developing his unique horsemanship seminars in 1991 while he was living in New Zealand. In 1992, Van returned to Sulphur Springs, TX, where he established his own training facility, specializing in colt-starting and ranch horse versatility. From his Texas home base, he has since traveled extensively. Van’s practical experiences on the ranch and in competition, coupled with a dynamic speaking ability, have made him one of the most highly requested clinicians at equestrian facilities and events across the country.

He moves easily across the “great divide” between the western and English riding worlds, and has worked successfully with horses from many disciplines, including both working ranch horses and show horses in western pleasure, hunter-jumper, and dressage.

In horsemanship and in life, Van firmly believes there’s “nothing but the basics,” and that those basics are the same no matter what equestrian discipline appeals to you. That message has attracted audiences throughout the U.S. as Van has shared it in his seminars, in radio and television interviews, and in articles that have appeared in regional and national print publications

This year, attendees can expect Hargis’ lineup, entitled “If It Ain’t Broke, Fix It,” to include several informative demonstrations offering horsemanship pointers and tips that attendees can be apply to their horses at home. Clinics, which will be held inside the Western Expo at Metra Park’s Rimrock Auto Arena, are free to the public and will be held daily from Tuesday, Oct. 18-20. In some demonstrations, Hargis will be working with the 2011 NILE Raffle Filly, so those interested in purchasing raffle tickets are encouraged to attend.

BILLINGS, MT – The 2011 NILE will mark the return of renowned equine clinician Van Hargis of Sulphur Springs, TX, who has been called one of today’s most versatile horsemen. NILE attendees will remember Hargis as the featured clinician from 2006.

Hargis began developing his unique horsemanship seminars in 1991 while he was living in New Zealand. In 1992, Van returned to Sulphur Springs, TX, where he established his own training facility, specializing in colt-starting and ranch horse versatility. From his Texas home base, he has since traveled extensively. Van’s practical experiences on the ranch and in competition, coupled with a dynamic speaking ability, have made him one of the most highly requested clinicians at equestrian facilities and events across the country.

He moves easily across the “great divide” between the western and English riding worlds, and has worked successfully with horses from many disciplines, including both working ranch horses and show horses in western pleasure, hunter-jumper, and dressage.

In horsemanship and in life, Van firmly believes there’s “nothing but the basics,” and that those basics are the same no matter what equestrian discipline appeals to you. That message has attracted audiences throughout the U.S. as Van has shared it in his seminars, in radio and television interviews, and in articles that have appeared in regional and national print publications

This year, attendees can expect Hargis’ lineup, entitled “If It Ain’t Broke, Fix It,” to include several informative demonstrations offering horsemanship pointers and tips that attendees can be apply to their horses at home. Clinics, which will be held inside the Western Expo at Metra Park’s Rimrock Auto Arena, are free to the public and will be held daily from Tuesday, Oct. 18-20. In some demonstrations, Hargis will be working with the 2011 NILE Raffle Filly, so those interested in purchasing raffle tickets are encouraged to attend.