Equitana

from Equestrian Hub Magazine Issue 11 2022

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FEATURE

When only the best will do

EQUITANA Melbourne is the horse event that everyone talks about, and it’s finally back after a four year hiatus.

An undeniably iconic event, EQUITANA brings together the very best of the equine world – from star presenters who have competed at the highest level and educators who have coached the world over, to shopping that doesn’t stop, edge-of-your-seat competitions, and entertainment that’s talked about long after the event is over.

Around 40,000 people are expected through the gates at the Melbourne Showgrounds over EQUITANA’s four days, with some shows already sold out. Managing director Rod Lockwood says it has been a challenge to keep everything in line with multiple hurdles to clear thanks to the global pandemic, but he is promising a very special event. “After four years and plenty of heartache following cancellations, I am ecstatic that EQUITANA Melbourne is finally a reality in 2022. We have worked so hard to stay in business and deliver our beloved event - to see it happen is emotional.”

As well as four days filled with competitions, demonstrations, shopping and more, there are night shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Each day represents a discipline: Thursday is show jumping, with dressage on Friday, the spirit of Australian equestrian on Saturday, and horsemanship on Sunday.

But there’s something for everyone every day – whether it’s learning about a new breed at the Kelato Animal Health Breed Village, watching one of the 70-plus educators who between them are delivering more than 150 sessions, cheering for your favourite competitor in a nail-biting competition, or just soaking it all in.

Star presenters include Rio Olympic Games show jumping teammates Scott Keach and James Paterson-Robinson for the Off the Track Jumping Masterclass; Tokyo silver medallist Sabine SchutKery, who will give the Sprenger Dressage Masterclass; acclaimed horseman and entertainer Guy McLean, topping the bill with the Australiana Mane Event; and internationally renowned reiner and trainer Warwick Schiller, who’s here to present his Ultimate Horsemanship Masterclass.

History is being made this year with three women vying for top honours in the Mitavite TWOTH (The Way of the Horse) competition. Hayley Hinton, Skye Liikanen and Steph Lancefield are all hugely respectful of each other’s expertise, but don’t expect any concessions – these are talented horsewomen who back their own ability. TWOTH is something quite special. It captures the very ethos of EQUITANA, and watching these competitors work with unbroken three-year-old Dylanglen Stud Connemara cross fillies over the four days will be something to behold.

EQUITANA western events manager Sandi Simons has been part of EQUITANA since it first came to Australia and has long wanted an all-female line-up for TWOTH. “The horsemanship element of EQUITANA is the take home,” Sandi explains. “It’s the key element that educates people and something they can actually use. For some it is a real light bulb moment.”

Dressage superstar Sabine Schut-Kery is no stranger to EQUITANA. She’s been involved with the German event for many years, but this is her first visit Down Under and she can’t wait. She is excited to see what EQUITANA Melbourne is like but, after having her curiosity peaked by what she has seen on the international stage, she’s also curious to learn more about Australian dressage.

Sabine plans to share how she’s grown on her own journey. “It will be an insight into what I have learned over so many years, combined with my own personal philosophy on how to train a horse. I would call it old school really. I learned when we didn’t have the extravagant moving horses, so gaits were developed. I love it.”

Another dressage supremo at EQUITANA is five time Olympian Mary Hanna. Mary is competing in Thursday’s CDI-W Grand Prix and all going well, will be back in the arena for the CDI-W Freestyle during the Friday night show.

Held over two days, the show jumping at EQUITANA promises much. Getting underway on Thursday morning, rounds in the outdoor arena will be followed by the Off the Track Jumping Masterclass in the afternoon, and Jumping Full Flight on Thursday evening. And finally, Friday’s cash-rich $50,000 plus Grand Prix in the outdoor grass arena is guaranteed to produce some of the most exciting top flight competition jumping of the entire event.

Every breed of horse is included at EQUITANA, from minis to off the track Thoroughbreds, superlatively bred Warmbloods, sport horses, and even Pony Clubbers. “We are coming back in style,” says Rod. “This is an event that is so unique in what is presented. We always seek the very best talent we can find, bringing people from all over the world to Melbourne to share their knowledge, showcase their skills, and inspire Australian men, women and children in all sorts of ways, helping them do better with their own horses.”

There are just a handful of tickets left across the four days, so don’t waste another second. For all the information and tickets, head to www.equitana.com.au.