Horse Events Kick Off Tomorrow at the Royal Queensland Show 'Ekka'

2011 Champion Galloway Hack of Queensland - Willowcroft Hot Topic ridden by Kate Dolan

This year has flown by and as soon as the Olympics have wrapped up it will be time to focus on another big horse event - the Royal Queensland Show or Ekka, as it is affectionately known! Okay, Ekka may not be quite as big or international as the Olympics, however, for those who attend every year it is definitely an important event on the showing calendar.

The Ekka Horse events commence on Friday 10 August and will run through until Saturday 18 August.

Horsezone is proud to be sponsoring the Royal Queensland Show again this year and we are spreading the prizes across many different classes, including:

• Arabian Under Saddle
• Arabian/Arabian Derivative Mare Under Saddle
• Australian Stock Horse Mare, 4 years old and over, over 15 hands
• Australian Stock Horse Mare, 4 years old and over, 15 hands and under
• Warmblood Under Saddle
• Welsh Pony Under Saddle over 12.2 hands
• Welsh Pony Under Saddle not exceeding 12.2 hands

In addition to these classes we are also excited to be sponsoring Champion Galloway Hack of Queensland again. This was a wonderful event last year and we're looking forward to being part of it in 2012.

Other highlights of the show include:

Thoroughbred Day

Magnificent horses, fashions on the field take the spotlight as the glitz and glamour of a day at the races comes to Ekka on Thoroughbred Day. Cash and prizes worth $55,000 are at stake for Queensland's finest horses as they compete for the coveted title of Supreme Champion Thoroughbred. Men and women wear formal race attire as they lead their horses into the arena, and each winner receives a $250 prize.

World Cup Showjumping Qualifier

Showjumping champions from across Australia and overseas converge on Ekka to compete for $6500 in cash and prizes and the chance to qualify for the World Cup! This prestigious event will attract big crowds and should not be missed by any horse enthusiast!

Horse Breeds Expo

Almost 20 breeds of horse will feature in this year's Horse Breeds Expo. You can find feisty Shetlands, adorable giant Clydesdales, and US national breed, the Morgan Horse, which is noted for its courage and stylish appearance. Read about Horsezone's 'Battle of the Breeds' competition that was conducted last year at the Horse Breeds Expo.

Horsezone's Jo Johnson will be at the Ekka taking photos for a Gallery and publishing reports on events again this year, while our own Tim Dreverman will once again be the main ring announcer, so be sure to say 'Hi' if you see Jo or Tim at the show and smile for the camera!

Quick Links

• View the Ekka 2011 Photo Gallery
• See the 2012 Horse Events Judging Timetable
• Find out more about 2012 Ekka Horse Events