Media Release: 10th November, 2013
EQUITANA SYDNEY 2013 – AN EMOTIVE END
As the curtain came down on Equitana Sydney, we look back at four days of great memories. The Education program outdid itself in diversity and new information and our exhibitors were left with very few wares to pack up by Sunday afternoon!
Our International presenters gave their all, loved Australia and can’t wait to come back.
UK Dressage Olympic Gold medalist, Carl Hester, told organisers that he “loved the Australian crowds, as they were very appreciative of his clinic and demonstrations and they let him know it – and were forgiving of his mistakes”!
Nicky Barratt (UK), whose initial plans were to come out with Carl for a holiday, ended up giving dressage presentations as well, said she felt the same about the Australian audiences and had a ball at the event.
It was decided that US master horseman, Al Dunning was a fantastic presenter and one of the most charming people they had worked with – and by the look of the knee-deep crowds at his booth every day, our audiences agreed.
Long time Equitana Australia “mates” Pat and Linda Parelli were their usual fantastic selves, delivering the message of creating better partnerships with your horse in the unique Parelli style. It was great to see them at our event and to see the training innovations they had initiated since their last visit.
Our competition program was phenomenal with the change to indoor events. Exhibition Eventing was even more exciting and the “city meets country” experience of the Man from Snowy River Legend’s Challenge took on a whole new flavour. Another new event was the Western Breeds Halter Showcase.
The Man from Snowy River Challenge was taken out by David and John Mitchell on a score of 933 points, with Ben Campbell and Robert Brady coming in second with 899 points and Dan Lindley and Brett Laney in third place on 886 points.
The winners of the Western Halter Showcase classes were:-
2 yrs and under: “Incentive”
2-3 yrs and over: “JVQ Infashion”
Performance halter: “Hot Roddin Classic”
Non Pro Open: “JVQ “Infashion”
Overall Halter
Horse Champion: “JVQ Infashion”
Reserve Champion: “DMB Perennial”
Winners of the ever popular Australian Open Barrel Racing Championships were:-
1st: Leslie More on Thuhaside Golden Gun – 15.893
2nd: Adele Edwards on Moon Roc – 16.120
3rd: Jo Farquhar on Country Roc – 16.135
Director of Equitana Australia, Rod Lockwood, said “Equitana Sydney has proven to be a runaway success. Happy crowds have enjoyed the fantastic competition and education program and our wonderful International presenters have entertained and enthralled our audiences. Exhibitors have enjoyed success and our educators have been able to present their knowledge and expertise to rapt audiences. A special thank you goes to our media partners, Fairfax Agricultural Media / Horse Deals, our generous sponsors, our Competition Partners and last but by no means least, our wonderful volunteers. On behalf of the Equitana team, I would like to thank everyone who has attended Equitana Sydney; we hope we have delivered an event that has lived up to your expectations.
For all competition results go to http://www.equitana.com.au/competition-results
FOR MEDIA AND PHOTO ENQUIRIES:
Colleen Lethbridge
Marketing & Public Relations Manager
EQUITANA Australia
MOBILE: 0403 082 415
EMAIL: colleen@equitana.com.au
