Media Release: 9th November, 2013
A FEAST OF DRESSAGE COMBINES WITH OUTBACK ACTION
Saturday 9th at Equitana began with the amazing Carl Hester Specialist Dressage Clinic, which packed to the rafters of the John Deere Dome. Carl not only demonstrated his training skill, taking the horses to better frame and movement, but also his engaging personality and sense of humour that made all clinic participants feel instantly relaxed.
Renowned French Dressage Judge, Jean-Michel Roudier, presented an eye-opening education session on just what the judges are looking for in a dressage test. Jean-Michel’s insightful tips were helpful in understanding the marking system.
The fabulous UK Grand Prix rider and trainer, Nicky Barrett, was a treat to watch too. Well known for preparing and introducing young riders to the international dressage circuit, Nicky has produced a number of successful candidates for Grand Prix, so also provided some great competition insights.
Our daytime program enabled our city visitors to enjoy the Man from Snowy River Corryong experience in air conditioned comfort! Winners from previous challenges teamed up in pairs today to complete the Packhorse and Shoeing, Stock Handling and Cross Country components of the EQUITANA Legends Challenge. The winners of today’s heats will ride off in tomorrow’s finals to determine just who is the Legend’s Challenge Champion! Top scoring pair for the day (combined packhorse & shoeing, stock handling and cross country) was David Mitchell on Kimberley Roc and John Mitchell on Halls Chickenman with a score of 345 points. Second for the day was the Jason Lee and Huckleberry / Simon Ward and Garcon Treat partnership on 324 points and in third place the Webb team, with Morgan and Doc Ta Duck and Sam and Erindale Juniour on 306 points.
The little guys starred in the Howie Lawns Arena today, as “Minitana” took centre stage. Once again, our crowds were astounded by just how high these little horses can jump and how elegant they are in show.
As usual, the Be The Influence Equestrian Grand Final Freestyle Dressage provided a night of beauty, athleticism and wonderful music. Our riders for the night were Michelle Baker, Mark Arthur, Chantel Wigan, Jeremy Janjic, Susan Paix, Anjanette Harten, Vanessa Way, Heath Ryan, Sue Hearn, Rozzie Ryan, Jayden Brown and Sheridan Ashwood. The night was rounded off with a truly wonderful freestyle performance by Carl Hester, riding Luxor 118 (owned by Catherine Gregory & Julie Farrell).
For full results on all today’s competition go to http://www.equitana.com.au/competition-results
Highlights for EQUITANA SYDNEY Closing Day, Sunday 12th Nov
- The All Stars showcase with Carl Hester, Al Dunning, Pat & Linda Parelli (question and answer session with your favourite internationals) – 9.30am in the Howie Lawns Arena
- Man from Snowy River Legends Challenge Finals – 9.30am in the John Deere Dome
- Pat and Linda Parelli Horse Makeover – 11.00am in the Think Fencing Woodgrain Arena
- Western Breed Halter Class – 11.00am in the Howie Lawns Arena
- Australian Open Barrel Racing Championship – 2.00pm in the John Deere Dome
- Mitavite Waler Legacy Showcase – 4.30pm in the John Deere Dome
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Colleen Lethbridge
Marketing & Public Relations Manager
EQUITANA Australia
MOBILE: 0403 082 415
EMAIL: colleen@equitana.com.au
