AUGUSTA – The Augusta Civic Center will provide the backdrop for the Northeast Horsemen’s Conference and Trade Show, now in its 12th consecutive year, Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 14 and 15. Combining an educational agenda format with a diverse trade show, the event features nationally recognized guest speakers, as well as regional and local favorites.

Seminar agendas will address a wide range of topics and issues relevant for riders, owners, veterans and novices, with the educational area expanded to add more seminars.

One thing that stands out about the Northeast Horsemen’s Conference and Trade Show – there are no horses. “This is a humans-only event, although our four-legged friends are at the heart and soul of the weekend’s many activities,” said Tom Clark, show manager.

The structure is also unique. According to Clark, it’s best described as a “meeting of the minds” rather than a “meeting of the mounts.” The conference is the educational component of the event, with two days jampacked with seminars and workshops. Sessions are led by an eclectic group of experts of national, regional and local distinction.

This year’s topics include training and technique, overcoming anxiety, nutrition, trail riding, jumping, barrel racing, equine application of gymnastics, magnetics and t’ai chi, care and maintenance of tack, custom saddle-making, and trailer design and selection.

Divided into three separate tracks that run concurrently each day, the conference offers diverse options for horse people of every skill level, discipline and taste.

The trade show area will bring together dozens of exhibitors of equine products and services, giving people plenty of opportunity for an unhurried glimpse at what they might need or want on the threshold of the new season. Offerings range from saddles and tack to health and nutrition, trailers and training to fencing and barn building, clothing and accessories to books and gift ware.

Speakers from Maine will be Sherrye Johnson Trafton of Brunswick; Margaret St. Pierre of Falmouth, and Becky Sweeney of New Vineyard.

A new feature this year will be an open forum, “From the Judges’Perspective,” moderated by a blue ribbon panel of active trainers and judges, including Willette Brown, open to members of any and all equine organizations and free. Conference admission, $35, includes all sessions plus the trade show. Admittance to the trade show alone is $6/day, with children under 12 free. The open forum is free to all. For more information, go online to www.nhcts.com.