Equitana Coming to Sydney in 2011

Horse lovers from all over Australia and around the World will now be able to experience the biggest and most exciting equine event in the Southern Hemisphere - EQUITANA - in Sydney.

EQUITANA Sydney will be launched at Sydney Showground in November 2011. This inaugural event will also incorporate the Equestrian Australia – Australian Grand Final.

Equestrian Australia has joined forces with Definitive Events, the organisers of EQUITANA in Australia, to develop a national annual Grand Final for Dressage, Jumping and modified Eventing.

“The Equestrian Australia Grand Final is a really exciting venture and we are pleased Definitive Events has come on board to help create a spectacular multi-discipline event. The Grand Final is consistent with Equestrian Australia’s strategic priorities, and promises to help Equestrian Sport grow and develop.” commented Grant Baldock, CEO Equestrian Australia.

The Grand Final will be conducted within EQUITANA annually and will alternate between Sydney and Melbourne.

EQUITANA Sydney will also incorporate Australian Grand Finals in Campdrafting, Reining and Cutting.

This exciting announcement for the equine community is the culmination of two years of planning and negotiation with Equestrian Australia, Events NSW and Sydney Showground.

Sydney Showground will play host to four days of competition, entertainment, education and exhibition.  The transformation will include seating for over 6,000, 250 stables and yards, accommodating nearly 1,000 horses and 100 head of cattle, 300 cubic metres of sawdust and 2000 tonnes of soil. 

Peter King, Chief Executive, Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) of NSW, said “The RAS is looking forward to expanding its long association with the equine community and is thrilled that Sydney Showground will be host venue for EQUITANA Sydney, one of the most prestigious events of its kind in the world.”

“Sydney Showground is part of the premier major events precinct in Australia – Sydney Olympic Park, and is renowned for delivering the best event experiences in the country. We welcome EQUITANA Sydney and look forward to working with the team on what’s sure to be an unprecedented success."