Less Than Four Weeks Until EQUITANA Melbourne!

The countdown to EQUITANA Melbourne has certainly begun, with just under a month to the event, excitement is in the air! 

There are limited seats remaining for the amazing Specialist Clinics, Evening Programs and Sunday Showcase, so now is the time to secure your place and be part of Australia's most exciting equine experience. Remember, one day is never enough! There is just so much to see and do, with a new program each day.

If you haven't bought your tickets already, do not delay any longer! To make sure you get the most of your EQUITANA experience BOOK NOW.

Horsezone will be at EQUITANA this year and you'll be able to catch up with gold medallist and Horsezone Ambassador, Joann Formosa, at our stand located at site #216 in the Grand Hall.

Latest EQUITANA news:

EQUESTRIAN GRAND FINAL - EXHIBITION EVENTING

Australia simply could not have an elite level Equestrian Grand Final without including our eventers.  So Equestrian Australia (EA) has initiated a modified version of the sport that is held in an exciting arena format, specially designed to give spectators that up-close and personal experience. After completing a 5-minute dressage test, there is just one course combining cross-country and show jumps in Exhibition Eventing.   Riders pick up 4 faults for any rails that fall down but no faults for stops and run outs. This simply costs them time to re-present, however 1 penalty is awarded for every second over the optimum time.  For the brave and the desperate there will be a joker fence on course. The field of 15 competitors is star studded, confirmed riders include: - Megan Jones, Christopher Burton, Paul Tapner, Shane Rose, Seumas Marwood and Sam Griffiths just to name a few

EQUITANA AUSTRALIAN OPEN - BARREL RACING CHAMPIONSHIP

If you like amazing horses, pretty cowgirls and super, fast paced competition, this will be the event for you! Of all the western events, barrel racing is fast gaining the reputation of being the fastest and most glamorous. The Australian Barrel Horse Association (ABHA) is bringing 25 of the best cowgirls in the country and their beautiful horses to this year's event. After running qualifying events all over the country, the standard of competition is going to be the highest Australia has even seen. The origins of barrel racing are simple; wives and girlfriends of cowboys, tired of having nothing to do at roping events, borrowed roping horses to race each other around the cloverleaf barrel pattern. From these simple beginnings, barrel racing has become an international sport which is enjoyed by both men,  women and children alike. Mark it in your daily schedule – Saturday 17th November at 4.15pm in the Grand Pavilion

"MINITANA" - MINIATURE HORSE COMPETITION

Presented by the Independent Miniature Horse Registry (IMHR), EQUITANA Melbourne is proud to host 'Mini-Tana' – the ultimate showcase of Miniature horses. Held on Sunday 18th November you can enjoy watching number of halter conformation classes as well as classes such as jumping, trail and harness.  Don't miss out the "Miniature High Jump" contest which is always a popular spectacle. The events will be officiated by renowned judge Wayne Hipsley from USA.  All classes will have full commentary on placing's so this will also be an education opportunity for all spectators.

List of classes:

• Miniature Horse Halter Conformation Classes
• Miniature Horse Performance Classes
• Miniature Horse in Harness
• Miniature Horse Big Jump

BREED VILLAGE UPDATE

Often, the way that breed types or "bloods" are written about in sales descriptions can be very confusing or at least, lack the information needed about the temperament and use of the breed, so you can make an informed choice as to whether a breed is suitable for your needs. The 2012 Breed Village will be found beside the John Deere Pavilion, where you can get up close and personal with each breed in an open and friendly environment. Have all your questions concerning breeding, bloodlines and temperament answeered by knowledgeable individuals and groups. The village has a variety of horses on display.  There are daily individual breed exhibitor displays and the new group displays in the John Deere Arena. The group session gives an opportunity for a variety of breeds to come together in a forum style presentation representing a discipline or riding style.
From Miniature Horses to Gypsy Cobs there is a breed that will interest you!

Quick Link

• Read more about what's on at EQUITANA and book your tickets