Day Three of EQUITANA showcased a truly diverse program. From Dressage Clinics to Sport Horse Racing to the Couple’s Challenge the day highlighted the true diversity of the horse.
The Education Program held a broad array of sessions. Kicking off the program was the highly anticipated EQUIPE Dressage Clinic with World Champion Dressage Rider Charlotte Dujardin and Judy Harvey, her former coach, all the way from the UK.
Charlotte Clinic
Photo Credits: Stephen Mowbray Photography.
The much anticipated and sold out EQUIPE Dressage Clinic these international Dressage stars delivered just what the audience wanted; functional, applicable and understandable solutions for effective training. From a young horse to a Grand Prix schoolmaster, the principles of forwardness, responsiveness to the aids and straightness were emphasized across all levels.
Couples Challenge Winners
Photo Credits: Stephen Mowbray Photography.
There laughs at the antic of the Couples Challenge. The elite of each discipline embarked on today’s inaugural entertainment, a series of challenges that a ‘couple’ might have to undertake when taking a horse to an event. These activities included driving a float, then reversing it blindfolded, carrying a water bucket and a baby to a straw bale change table, then changing a nappy, apple bobbing, followed an obstacle course with a Shetland. Show Horse successes Daryl Hayes and Katrina Kearns came in first, popular Eventers Emily Anker and Will Enzinger came in second, EQUITANA Ambassador, Endurance rider and Model Rebecca Stoneman and her husband Daniel Stoneman were competitive at third, Showjumpers Tim & Ingrid Clarke worked well as a team for fourth and Ken & ‘Cathy’ Faulkner (a certain Dave Russel in disguise) finished fifth.
Stock horse time trial
Photo Credits: Stephen Mowbray Photography.
The action didn’t slow as the flavor of Australia came alive with the Stock Horse State of Origin. The well attended event, this saw a team of two riders from each state converge on EQUITANA to complete a challenging rustic work course. With barrels, logs, jumps and gates, the course showcased the breeds ability and trainability. The winners were Victoria- with the team encompassed of Matt Holz on River Dance and Arron Todd on Todds Kassondra.
Minitana
Photo Credits: Stephen Mowbray Photography.
The action did stop there with the Arabian Alliance Breeders Cup and MiniTana offering plenty of eye candy to spectators. From Miniature Horses in classes including Small Horse and Miniature Horse Obstacles, Conformation Classes, Six Bar Jumping Classes, Fault and Out Classes and Best Movement Classes to the prestige of the acclaimed Arabian Youngstock accolades the breeds demonstrated that breeds really are purpose bred and traits are produced for the usability of the horses intended vocation.
The competition concluded with the jewel in the crown- the Equestrian Grand Final Dressage Freestyle. Hotly contested by Australia’s leading riders the finalists put on a show for the crowd, challenging their horses for the best marks. In the end it was the darling of the crowd- and ever the showman Heath Ryan; now four time reigning champion on the charming stallion Regardez Moi with a score of 71.825%. This was in the lead of the delightful combination of Sue Hearn on Remmington with a score of 70.725% for second, and young rider and Grand Prix newcomer Katharine Farrell who is doing so well showing great potential with her imported Luxor 118 who injected youth into the experience finalist line up take the third rosette home on a score of 70.125%.
Full results at http://www.equitana.com.au/competition-results
