Hawaii Horse Expo presents wellness symposium, paniolo party

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Hawaii Horse Expo presents its first Equine Wellness Symposium Sept. 11-13 at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel &Bungalows.

Hawaii Horse Expo presents its first Equine Wellness Symposium Sept. 11-13 at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel &Bungalows.

After two days of informative symposium workshops with national and local experts presenting topics centered on horse health and conditioning, the fun begins on a Sunday afternoon at the Paniolo Hoe Down at historic Pukalani Stables in Waimea.

The celebration opens with Paniolo Preservation Society president Pono Von Holt and kahu Kimo Hoopai blessing the new wing of the Paniolo Cultural Center at Pukalani Stables. The new wing, four years and $25,000 in the making, expands the collection of historic photographs on display with special attention to Paniolo Kepani (cowboys in Hawaii of Japanese descent).

The Paniolo Hoe Down combines a sumptuous barbecue catered by The Fish &The Hog with music by Patio Productions, starring Willie-Joe Camara and Damien DeNello. A silent auction, games and animal adoptions round out an entertaining afternoon.

“We are thrilled to host the opening of the museum’s new wing at our Paniolo Hoe Down,” said Hawaii Horse Expo producer Nancy Jones. “Their mission to preserve and promote the heritage of the Hawaiian cowboy is noble and will be of great interest to our symposium attendees.”

Symposium workshops will take place Sept. 11-12 at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel &Bungalows. The cost to attend the two-day symposium and the Paniolo Hoe Down is $315. Single-day symposium rates are $140. The cost to attend just the festivities at the Paniolo Hoe Down is $50 adults/$25 children ages 10-18.

Proceeds from Hawaii Horse Expo benefit the Hawaii Island Humane Society’s Horse Rescue Fund, which helps abused and abandoned horses on the island.

Registration for the 2015 Equine Wellness Symposium is available online at HawaiiHorseExpo.com.

For more information and ongoing program updates, visit www.HawaiiHorseExpo.com.

The Hawaii Island Humane Society promotes respect for all animals, helps prevent cruelty to animals, works to control pet overpopulation and enhance the bond between humans and animals.

For more information about HIHS, visit www.hihs.org.