With less than two weeks to go, organizers of the Island Equine Affair are saddling up for a weekend of education, awareness, and some good ol’ fashioned horsin’ around.

The Island Equine Affair, taking place at Beban Park June 11-12, will feature demonstrations, clinics and vendors to please both the seasoned equestrian and the aspiring horse-lover.

The event is being held by the Hope for Horses Society, a brand new non-profit organization that’s hoping to help local horses in a whole new way.

“We really want to put the focus on education and awareness, because with more knowledgeable and responsible horse owners out there, we hope to see fewer incidences of neglect and abuse,” says media relations coordinator Niomi Pearson.

The event will include useful presentations such as Common Sense Horsemanship with Gary Toller, Jumping with Bridget Flynn, Showmanship with Sarah Schmidt, and Grand Prix dressage movements with Jen Wood.

Families with young children will enjoy ‘Pre-school Ponies’, an opportunity to get up close and personal with our pint sized pony friends and learn to groom and braid their manes.

The Affair’s piece de resistance will be the evening Extravaganza, taking place after the vendors close Saturday at 5:30 p.m. The extravaganza is when we kick off our boots and put the focus on entertainment. During the show, spectators will see liberty and bridleless riding, grand prix dressage, the 4H drill team, saddle seat riding, mini-horse agility, breed demos and more.

The Island Equine Affair is the first major fundraiser for the Hope for Horses Society. With proceeds from the Affair and other fundraising events throughout the year, the society will build a fund through which reputable Vancouver Island organizations can apply for financial assistance for horses in need.

“By fundraising, we should be able to financially assist with essentials such as veterinary care, farrier and training services to allow these animals a much deserved second chance at a healthier life and forever home,” Pearson said.

Each case will be assessed by a review panel headed by a certified veterinarian to ensure there is unquestionable need. Once funding is approved it will be disbursed directly to the service provider.

“We believe this system will work especially well in situations when a rescued horse requires emergency services,” Pearson added. “The real hard work ahead of us now is building up the fund so we can provide that assistance."

Admission to the Island Equine Affair is $15 per day or $20 for both days. Children 12 and under are FREE.

A full schedule of events is expected to be on the website later this week. For more information, visit www.islandequineaffair.ca