EQUITANA - Friday 11 November - Wrap Up and Results

Louisa Hill and Bates Antonello - Winners of the CDI-W Grand Prix

Haylie with the boys from Home Valley Station, East Kimberley, WA

The hugely popular 'Way of the Horse'

Jo making friends with a Gypsy Drum Horse in the Breeds Expo

The Breyer 'Horse' with a young fan

The Australian Appaloosa Association stand was the place to be spotted

Today was another huge day at Equitana with so much to see and do you seriously need a head on swivel and the ability to be in 10 places at once!

On the competition front, the day started with the Equestrian Grand Final CDI-W Grand Prix Dressage in the Dome Arena, which was a joy to watch, with some top dressage horses performing.  A very excited Louisa Hill and Bates Antonello (who are both Kiwis) were the winners of this prestigious event with a score of 68.468%,  followed by Heath Ryan and Regardez Moi in second place on 66.319%, while Chantal Wigan and Ferero took out third place with a score of 65.553%.  See Quick Link below for full results.

We chatted to Louisa later in the day and she was thrilled with how well her horse went as he had never quite experienced an atmosphere like Equitana before!

The Show Horse and Rider Championships were held in the outdoor arena and there were plenty of top quality horses showing, including several Royal Show Champions.  See Quick Link below for results.

The much anticipated 'Way of the Horse' took over the Dome arena in the afternoon for two hours.  This is an all new three-day, young horse “starting” contest that is unique in this country. 

During the challenge, three of Australia’s leading horse trainers - Dan Maloney, David Manchon and Greg Powell -  demonstrate their highly personal and specialised methods of connecting with an unbroken horse.  

Although from diverse backgrounds and favouring different methods of training, these trainers all have one very important thing in common; they are united in their effort to change the “traditional” mindsets regarding starting and training a young horse.

The winner will be given:

The Way Of The Horse 2011 - Winner Trophy and Belt Buckle

Voucher $500 from RB Sellars Clothing

OutLaw Master Fender Stock Saddle - Hawkesbury River Saddlery Co                                                                                   

Both runners up will be given:

The Way Of The Horse 2011 - Runners Up Trophy

Voucher $500 from RB Sellars Clothing

The stands were packed today and it was fascinating watching the three trainers working with the young horses.

Of course, while these events were happening there were plenty of other presentations and demonstrations going on around the grounds.

I was thrilled to watch para equestrian, Jan Pike and her lovely ex-racehorse, Pinky doing a demonstration.  I have written several articles on Jan and Pinky in the past and it was lovely to see this wonderful pair in action.  

Boyd Exell, who is a World Driving Champion, who although Australian, is usually based also presented at demonstration of 'Basic Pair Problems' and used a couple of handsome harness horses to explain issues that can arise when harnessing and driving a pair of horses.

As if this wasn't enough, then there was all the marvellous trade stands to be visited - I am hoping to do more of this tomorrow!

Following the competiton Horsezone ran at the Horse Breeds Expo at Brisbane Show this year, I was gain to see the Equitana Breeds Expo.  It is set up outdoors and has a variety of rare breeds including Icelandic Horses, Rocky Mountain Horses and my favourites - the Caspian Horse.  There were also plenty of old favourites such as the Gypsy Drum Horse, Australian Stock Horse, Appaloosa (it was great to catch up with the NSW Appaloosa people!), Miniatures and Riding Ponies - amongst others.

To finish off a hectic day, before commencement of the night program, I enjoyed a spot of Barrel Racing ABHA style!  There was a good crowd for this event and even though the competitors looked like they would have been happy in sand rather than on the grass of the Outdoor Arena, there were some good runs. 

Quick Links

• CDI-W Grand Prix Results
• Show Horse Results
• Mounted Games Results