The Midlands Equine Fair - "the ultimate equine event" - returns to the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, on 8th and 9th March 2003 with more to see and do than ever before.

Organisers Contour Exhibitions & Events are promising the biggest and best show so far, with a dedicated Equestrian Shopping Village boasting around 130 trade stands; world-class demonstrations in the Supreme and Top Equestrian Arenas; the opportunity to meet the experts; a horse and pony breed society area; and an innovations area featuring four great winners of an innovation competition run by Contour.

In the Supreme Equine Area, champion three-day eventer Blyth Tait will demonstrate how to train a cross country horse; David Lloyd will present a show of Western riding to put the best cowboy to shame; international horse driving champion Dick Lane will provide a display showing the full process of horse driving, from harnessing up and the carriage to building an obstacle and driving it with the team - there might even be the chance to ride with Dick for a lucky member of the audience; as well as a demonstration from Nicole Golding and Adam Goodfellow from Kelly Marks' Intelligent Horsemanship team, national dressage champion Nicky Barrett in action, a stallion parade and carriage driving from Gary Docking.

The Top Equestrian Arena will see displays from the Fizz Coaching Clinic which specialises in helping both horse and rider to achieve a happy, balanced attitude and consistent performance; a presentation from the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre showing the re-education of race horses for re-homing and a life outside of racing; and a variety breed parade.

But the Midlands Equine Fair 2003 is not just about displays in arenas. There will be an opportunity to Meet the Experts from a wide range of disciplines including aromatherapy, hands on healing, bits and bitting, laminitis, nutrition, saddle fitting and shiatsu. The Fizz Coaching Clinic will also be in action in this section.

New to this year's show is the Innovations Area. Four innovative businesses have won the opportunity to display their talents at all Contour's equestrian shows, and the Midlands Equine Fair is no exception. Bio Animal Health produces an enzyme bedding for horses that breaks down urine into a clear liquid, removes harmful ammonia smells and accelerates the breakdown of any small pieces of dung; Equiplus International produces a reusable liquid ice bandage for horses; Guiltspur Scientific has developed and manufactured horseslips, a plastic adhesive horseshoe; and Tequestyle Performance which markets breathable quick-drying riding wear.

Add to this 130 stands in the Equestrian Shopping Village and a horse and pony breed society area, and there really is something for everyone at the Midlands Equine fair 2003 - and all under cover.

Tickets are available in advance from Contour Exhibitions & Events by calling 08700 115007 and advance booking discounts are available. Further information and leaflets are available by calling 01884 841644, or by logging on at www.contour.uk.net.

For further information, please contact Andrew Gould on 01392 686107.

The Midlands Equine Fair 2003 will take place at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire, on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th March 2003, 9.30am to 5.00pm on the Saturday and 10.00am to 5.00pm on the Sunday. Ticket costs are: Adults, £9.00; Under 16's and OAP's £7.00; Family Ticket (two adults and two children) £25.00. Advance booking discounts are available.

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