Connecticut Horse Symposium
Saturday, March 6, 2027 9AM – 1:30PM
UConn Horsebarn Hill Arena
Enjoy our fun event with heated seating!
Spectators please park in the paved lot to the right of the arena. Horse trailers only in the dirt lot to the left of the arena.
Pay at the door (cash or check payable to UConn ONLY)
REGISTRATION COMING LATE AUGUST 2027!
Prior to Wed 3/3: auditors/spectators click here to pay online! Riders click here to sign up for sessions!
Click here to help sponsor this event!
Click here to be a vendor!
*It will start out with $1 payment, but see cost below!
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Hope to see you there!
Sign up to try our Canter Curriculum Online Courses on Equine Nutrition and the Skeletal System and Disorders!
Email to do any of these things now: jenifer.nadeau@uconn.edu
Sign up to participate as a handler or rider here!!
Sign up to participate as a spectator here!!
Sign up to participate as a vendor here!!
Sign up to participate as a sponsor here and see your logo on this page!!
2026 event was sponsored by:
| When: |
| Saturday, March 6, 2027 9 AM - 1:30 PM Vendor Fair 8:30 AM - 12 PM |
| Where: |
| UConn Horsebarn Hill Arena 3099 Horsebarn Hill Road Storrs, CT 06269 |
| Questions? |
| Contact: Dr. Jenifer Nadeau PHONE: (860) 486-4471 FAX: (860) 486-4375 E-MAIL: jenifer.nadeau@uconn.edu |
Get some new ideas for the riding and driving season! No need to worry about preregistration for auditors or spectators, pay at the door.
Enjoy our heated lobby and arena seating while participating in a fun equine event! Take a break from the action by visiting the sponsors and vendors in our heated foyer.
Please park in the paved lot to the right of the arena. The dirt lot is reserved for horse trailers.
Please note our health requirements for visiting horses in the documents area at the bottom of this page.
3 Exciting Clinic Sessions with Kate Hornbecker!
Join Kate Hornbecker for a clinic focused on developing the rider’s ability to successfully communicate with their horses through the proper use of the aids both on the ground and under saddle. Learn how basic techniques can yield better results both in the show ring and in pleasure riding.
Kate Hornbecker is a Preliminary level eventing instructor and trainer who is focused on developing horses and riders through cross-training with a heavy emphasis on correct rider position and understanding of riding theory. She has specialized in restarting Off-The-Track- Thoroughbreds and introducing new horses/riders to the world of eventing. She has been an active member of the United States Eventing Association since 2006 and continues to compete along side her students throughout Area 1. Kate’s goal as an instructor is to give each student the tools necessary to turn them from a “passenger” into a “trainer” through proper education and guidance.
Session 1: What's Your Horse's Learning Style? 9-10 AM
In- hand exercises to develop the horse’s body awareness and suppleness through the use of poles, cones and obstacles. Learn how these exercises relate to under saddle issues.
Open to all riders comfortable with ground work.
Session 2: Do What You Say and Say What You Mean 10-11 AM
Learning the proper application of the aids to better communicate with the horse and how they can increase the horse’s ride-ability. Discussion points include common mistakes riders make when trying to communicate with their horses and how to address them.
Open to riders comfortable at the walk/trot and over ground poles.
Session 3: Steering and Rhythm: The Basis of a Good Distance 11 AM -12 PM
Advanced development of stride and rhythm over fences; how to adjust your horse’s canter and how course design can effect striding. Learn how to find an appropriate distance through the use of fun jumping exercises. Exercises can easily be replicated in small rings for riders with limited jumps.
Open to riders able to canter and jump small courses.
11:30-1 Lunch Available On Site - Pizza and Beverages - To Benefit UConn Equine Club
Suggested donation:
Pizza: $2 a slice, or 3 slices for $5.
Beverages: Dunkin' coffee and hot cocoa suggested donation: $2 a cup.
12:00-1:30 PM Approximately - Demonstrations by the UConn Teams!
Short break then demonstration by the UConn Dressage Team, followed by the UConn Equestrian Team and then UConn Polo!
Pricing: As Always, a Great Value!
Riders/Handlers:
$51/session with your own horse
$71/session using a UConn horse (must be able to walk, trot and canter in control if riding, age 12 and over only)
4-H, Horse Practicum, UConn students $46 session with your own horse
4-H, Horse Practicum, UConns students $66 session using a UConn horse
Must complete a release form, equine health form if bringing own horse and wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet if riding
Auditors:
$25/Adults All Day
$15/day Age 9-18/4-H leaders/UConn students/4-H members
Kids 9 & under free!
Money raised is used to directly support equine research and extension programs at the University of Connecticut! No pre-registration needed for spectators: pay at the door (cash or check payable to UConn; sorry, no credit cards) or online!
Important Documents:
- Equine Health Form - REQUIRED for anyone bringing their own horse to participate in clinics.
- Release Form - REQUIRED for active participation in clinics. Riders please use this link to determine your level and email that to jenifer.nadeau@uconn.edu: https://animalscience.uconn.edu/horseback-riding/riding-levels/
- Ad 2027
- Horse Symposium Flyer 2027 - please share with others!