Which state has a larger horse industry, Kentucky or Pennsylvania?

If you answered "Kentucky," you have a thing or two to learn about horses. Fortunately, you can bone up on all things equine, while enjoying a beautiful early spring weekend in Pennsylvania's horse country, during the 10th annual Horse Farms Open House.

On April 6 & 7, 2002, 22 professional horse farms, most of which are normally off limits to the public, throw open their barn doors and give visitors the chance to learn what goes on behind the scenes. Stables welcome families to learn about horses one newborn foal, sample riding lesson, or horseshoeing demonstration at a time. Nationally recognized show barns, breeding stables and local boarding and lesson facilities band together for one weekend only to show visitors how easy it is to get involved with horses right in their own backyards.

The event, presented by Pennsylvania Equestrian, a newspaper for mid-Atlantic horse owners, and sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Expo, Nutrena Feeds and Centaur Fencing, is free and self-guided, and individuals travel from stable to stable in their own vehicles. The farms will be open to visitors from 10 am to 4 pm Saturday and noon to 4 pm Sunday. Each year about 10,000 people visit participating farms during the Horse Farms Open House.

Most farms are located in the southeastern quadrant of Pennsylvania. This area is horse country, home to many of America's most prestigious equestrian events and to more than 85,000 horses, from Olympic medalists to family pets.

The Horse Farms Open House is a chance for both active and would-be equestrians to visit a variety of professional horse farms, to learn about various breeds and styles of riding, about breeding, raising, caring for and training horses and to explore the many opportunities for getting involved with horses close to home. A number of stables will invite visitors to take a sample riding lesson, trail ride, pony ride or hayride, or to come back at a later date to try one of their horses.

In addition to giving horseback riding a try at some stables, visitors to the Open House can visit a petting zoo, watch an A-rated horse show, or shop at a tack sale. Demonstrations include horseshoeing, jousting, team penning, a drill team, sheep shearing, logging, round pen training and foal imprinting.

Nearly every farm will offer refreshments, and a number will have vendors-or their own tack shops--onsite for visitors who want to do a little shopping. April is the heart of foaling season, and many stables will have young foals-more than 60 are expected in all--to enjoy. Visitors will be able to view horses offered for sale and stallions available for breeding.

The stables include breeds and disciplines that bridge the spectrum of the region's horse industry.

Visitors can visit farms specializing in thoroughbreds, quarter horses, paints, Arabians, Appaloosas, drafts, American Saddlebreds, Paso Finos, miniatures, and Kentucky Mountain Horses.

For the first time, a preview of the Horse Farms Open House will be held at the Pennsylvania Horse Expo, Ft. Washington, PA, March 8-10. Several of the participating farms will have exhibits, bring horses to the show and be on hand to answer questions about their farms, horses and services.

With more than 200,000 horses, Pennsylvania's equine industry is a $5 billion a year industry, according to former Governor Tom Ridge. Most of that industry is clustered in the southeastern quadrant of the state, where the Open House is centered.

Complete information on the farms, including maps and directions, will be featured in the March/April issue of Pennsylvania Equestrian, and on the web at www.pennsylvaniaequestrian.com.

The Open House is free. For more information phone (717) 898-5874.