EQUITANA 2012 Latest News

Excitement is building for the great new Melbourne EQUITANA program and all the information you need to make it easy for you to plan your EQUITANA experience for this November, is available on their website (link below).  There are even more specialist clinics and masterclasses with International Star Presenters and  'Horse Master' Ali Al Ameri from the United Arab Emirates will be there to present his unique techniques for problem solving and starting.

Don't forget that you can still become a Pryde's Easifeed Vounteer this year - see link below for more details.

Here are just a few highlights from EQUITANA 2012:

STOCK HORSE STATE OF ORIGIN CHALLENGE

This "NEW TO EQUITANA" challenge brings top riders and horses from different states together to ride a tight and demanding course in a time-trial against the clock. Obstacles will be set in Australian bush fashion, with loads of surprises for competitors.  Tthe Australian Stock Horse Society will invite the top 2 rider and horse combinations that have qualified in ASHS competitions in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania in 2012 to compete. Both state rider scores will be added together to obtain the winning score and determine who will take out the title of the "Challenge Master" of the EQUITANA State of Origin Challenge. This challenge will be a high action competition that guarantees crowd interaction and excitement, so make sure you schedule this into your planner!

ALI AL AMERI THE HORSE MASTER DIRECT FROM UAE

Ali Al Ameri is best known outside the UAE for his problem solving and starting techniques for horses. Ali has worked his magic on horses in the UK, France, Brazil, Argentine, Uruguay, Chile and Australia, where he worked in the Northern Territory, starting a herd of Brumbies that had not had any contact with humans at all.  Those who have seen him on television will know of his ability to train a horse in a remarkably short time, yet create an incredible and close relationship with that horse. At EQUITANA Melbourne, Ali Al Ameri will be providing a specialist training demonstration before the Arabian classes on Thursday 15 November, demonstrations in the education program throughout the event and also making a guest appearance in the EQUITANA Family Showcase on Sunday afternoon the 18 November.

EQUITANA SUNDAY SHOWCASE - FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY!

The Family Showcase is designed around the tried and tested formula of the equine entertainment shows that attracted 5,000 people per night to EQUITANA's early "Mane Events". Demand for equine family entertainment by our attendees has never ceased, so this year EQUITANA Australia will again resent a dedicated entertainment show, designed to appeal to the whole family. The showcase will feature international "Star Presenters" Josh Lyons and Richard Winters from the USA, Olympic Gold Medalist Mary King from the UK and "Horse Master" from the UAE, Ali Al Ameri. In addition, some of the best Australian horsemen will join this elite group to show them how it is done! The giant indoor marquee will have the starry skies projected onto the roof to create an "outdoor" feel for the audience, as they are taken on this equine voyage of entertainment.

OFFICIAL CHARITY - PROJECT HOPE HORSE WELFARE VICTORIA (PHHWV)

EQUITANA Australia is proud to welcome Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria Inc. (PHHWV), as the Official Charity for EQUITANA Melbourne.  PHHWV first began in 1973 when a concerned Val Collingwood wrote in to "RIDER" magazine regarding the number of neglected horses in Australia. She suggested a scheme whereby someone could co-ordinate the rescue and rehabilitation of these unfortunate animals and she suggested the name "Project Hope" in memory of a terribly neglected, buck-jumper from Queensland. People responded to Val's letter, assuming that she was to be co-coordinator, and PHHWV was born. Originally loosely organised on a district basis, the organisation gradually grew into a coordinated unit. In 1993 PHHWV became an incorporated entity and in 2005 was endorsed as a registered charity. Follow the story of PHHWV Peggy, a 5 yr old Standardbred who was saved in January this year.

Quick Link

• Find out more at the EQUITANA website