The Hawaii Horse Expo 2009, sponsored in part by Mâlama Lio, a Hawaiian horse magazine, is slated for Aug. 14-16 in Kailua-Kona and at the Kahilu Theatre and adjacent grounds in Waimea on Hawaii’s Big Island. Proceeds from the event benefit the Hawaii Island Humane Society’s Horse Rescue Fund, which was established in 2008 to help abused and abandoned horses on the island.

This year’s event will feature several outstanding equine experts in areas of behavior, equipment use, training techniques, and animal photography.  Each will conduct workshops or demonstrations for Expo attendees.

“Desensitization and Sensitization” is Dr. Robert Miller’s topic. This world renowned equine behaviorist, author, and lecturer offers his expertise to help clarify the confusion and myths surrounding these particular training techniques. Miller’s hands-on lecture and demonstration of “Safer Horsemanship” will apply techniques based on a lifetime of working with often-difficult equine patients. In his presentation “Are Bits Necessary?” Miller will help attendees understand more about this ancient tool, which we still use today.

Internationally recognized bit designer and bitting specialist Dale Myler will work with several horses as he demonstrates the progress each horse can make when a rider uses the right bit. Myler will also share the latest research connecting the horse’s mouth and tongue pressure to the animal’s overall state of health and learning ability