UC Davis’ Department of Animal Science will host the annual State 4-H Equine Field Day Saturday, Oct. 24 beginning at 10 a.m. More than 200 4-H members, parents and adult leaders are expected to participate in the daylong event, which will include educational presentations as well as a tour of the campus breeding facility and horse barn, a demonstration of a horse drill team and rides on a wagon pulled by draft horses.

Speakers from UC Davis will include equine facility supervisor Joel Viloria; animal science doctoral candidate Gerry Brown; veterinary resident Laramie Winfield and equine dental technician Tony Basile.

Presentation topics will include horse conformation and judging, shoeing and hoof care, health issues, equine dentistry, draft horses and driving, horse nutrition, riding in timed games known as gymkhana events, horse knowledge bowl, saddle fitting and tack, and foal behavior.

The California Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team will perform at 12:30 p.m. in the Cole Facility arena, and internationally known horse trainer Charles Wilhelm will present a demonstration with horses at 2 p.m. in the arena.

4-H Field Day participants must be at least 9 years old or in the 4th grade or above, and should wear closed-toed shoes and bring an equestrian helmet to participate in the wagon ride. Admission on the day of the event will be $25 per person.

The daylong event will be held at the Cole Facility Horse Barn, located on La Rue Drive and Putah Creek Lodge Road on the UC Davis Campus. The Cole Facility can be reached by taking the UC Davis exit from Interstate 80. From the off-ramp, turn right onto Old Davis Road. After you pass the information booth, turn left onto California Avenue. Go past one stop sign, cross a small bridge and then turn left onto La Rue Road. Pass Bioletti Way on the right and park in Lot 47 on the right. Parking is free on the weekend.