Principe Heredero de ZR, owned by Lewis Haines of Troy, IL, and representing the Ozark Empire Region of the Paso Fino Horse Association, won the Battle of Stallions contest held as part of the Illinois Horse Fair, produced by the Horsemen's Council of Illinois, an affiliate chapter of the American Horse Council.

Principe, ridden by Rick Meyer of Troy, IL, took on a group of stallions of various breeds that included the Tennessee Walking Horse, the Saddlebred, the Arabian, the Quarter Horse and a variety of other breeds to win this competition. Entering the ring three at a time, the stallions were judged on quality and audience appeal. After winning several heats, the Paso Fino stallion was in the final heat with two Quarter Horses trained as reiners. After a performance that brought down the house, Principe Heredero de ZR was crowned the winner of the Battle of the Stallions.

In addition to expert trainers and clinicians, the three-day all-breed expo and industry tradeshow presented 25 breed and sport demonstrations, Stallion Row and Parade, more than 120 horses in the Horses For Sale aisles, 140 equestrian vendors, more than 100 horse trailers on display for sale and a full schedule of educational seminars and workshops. At Horse Fair, more than 10,000 people shared their passion for horses, and everyone understood the lure of the barn, the call of the trail and the excitement of equestrian competition. From Quarter Horses to Morgans, Bashkir Curleys to Paso Finos, Andalusians to reiners, and Belgians to Miniatures, more breeds and disciplines were featured at the Illinois Horse Fair than anywhere in the state.


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