Equitana 2013

2013 Australian Showjumping Champion Jamie Kermond jumped two super rounds aboard Des Russell's impressive stallion, Kelleter Park Caracas to take second place in the Be The Influence Equestrian Grand Final Equitana World Cup Qualifier.

Jamie Winning and her effervescent new stallion, 'Wirragulla Nicklaus' blast off over this fence during the Be The Influence Equitana World Cup Qualifier. Both horse and rider are in a beautiful position, with Jamie's eyes up and ahead. They jumped an unlucky four penalty first round and back it up with a super clear second round in a fast time to take third place.

Victorian, Tim Clarke and his often brilliant mare, 'Caltango' were on top form during the Be The Influence Equitana Showjumping World Cup Qualifier. Tim gave himself a talking to after a below par warm up class the day before and both horse and rider came out firing on all cylinders. Last to go, Tim and his ebullient mare posted a double clear and out paced Jamie Kermond and Caracas by almost a second to win the World Cup Qualifier and take home the $7000 first prize cheque. That's two World Cup Qualifiers for Tim so far this season, as he also won at Adelaide in September.

The Hamag Stand is one of the most attractive and popular at Equitana. They had plenty of horse themed gifts which were no doubt popular for Christmas.

The Goodwoods Saddlery Stand had plenty of stock to cater for the huge demand at Equitana Sydney.

"No foot, no horse". The gentlemen at the Mustad stand were on hand to help horse owners and farriers with shoeing solutions and equipment.

The Tekna stand had a huge range of saddles on display.

The team at Blue Chip Feed Balancers were on hand to help people with their feeding solutions.

Everyone loves a competition, as this photograph attests. The Tallahassee Speedi Beet stand generated a lot of interest with a number of special offers.

The well presented Revelwood Stud and Waterview Park stand were advertising some impressive and imported stallions, including two imported pony stallions. Popular Revelwood Stud principle, David Shoobridge was on hand to discuss your horse breeding possibilities.

Carl Hester's Masterclass was hugely informative and hugely entertaining. Never has anyone made three hours of a dressage Masterclass so worthwhile. Hester's method is simple, his execution kind and his riding beautiful and his humour sharp. It was three of the best hours most riders have spent.

Sandi Simons conducted the very popular 'Cowgirl Dressage for Confidence' seminars.

There was standing room only at veterinarian, Dr Luke Wells-Smith's lecture entitled, 'Horse Owner's Guide To Laminitis'.

L-R Lucie Whitehead from Woollongong and Molly Baker from Tamworth are enjoying their interaction with 'Jerry' the Standardbred that is now enjoying a dressage career.

The Mini Tana Miniature Horse Showcase attracted a lot of attention on the Howie Lawns Arena.

The Future Farms filly, 'Shimmer FF' was a hit with brothers, Max and Isaac Majerowski from Dobley in NSW. Apparently the beautiful filly has developed a taste for ice cream at Equitana.

An impressive trio, L-R Pat Parelli (USA), Ian Francis (AUS) and Al Dunning (USA).

After his Masterclass, London Dressage Olympic Team Gold Medallist, Carl Hester was mobbed by admirers and autograph hunters. And he was charming towards them all.

Cara Lloyd from the Working Equitation Australia Display is pictured aboard the charming Morgan stallion, 'Watching Royalty'. Working Equitation is based on cattle work in Spain.

Frenchman, Jean-Michel Roudier is one of the judges for the CDI/W Dressage at Equitana and gave an interesting presentation on how to gain extra points from the judges in dressage competition.

Linda Parelli is always a popular presenter at Equitana.

Coprice sponsored rider, Judy Dierks was a popular draw card on the Coprice stand. Judy is a well known and successful dressage rider and trainer from Arcadia in NSW

Stockman, Dan Lindley from Gundagai in NSW is pictured aboard, 'Drunken Auction' during The Man From Snowy River Challenge. The Final for the Challenge will be conducted tomorrow.

Beijing Equestrian Para Olympian, Georgia Bruce was a popular presenter demonstrating her very effective, 'Clicker Training. Most impressively she managed to do Passage and Piaffe bareback in a head collar.

L-R David Mitchell, a saddle maker from Cowra riding, 'Kimberley Roc' and John Mitchell, a farmer and horse breaker from Tooma riding , 'Halls Chickenman' the first team in the Man From Snowy River Challenge are pictured during the cross country phase of the Challenge.

David Thorn, a farmer and grazier from Wallendbeen in NSW is pictured aboard, 'Hazelwood Relax' during the cross country phase of the Man From Snowy River legend's Challenge.

The team of Christy and Stephen Connor aboard 'Hulms Phoenix' and 'Morton' are pictured during the cross country phase of the Man From Snowy River Legend's Challenge.

Heath Ryan remains king of the Equitana Freestyle when he and his wonderful stallion, 'Regardez Moi' produced a super Grand Prix Freestyle CDI/W test to beautifully choreographed music from the film, Rango to claim the class with 72.60%. It was as always a popular victory. Heath has no time to celebrate, as after the class Heath is packing up to go home where he will re pack the truck and head to Adelaide for the Australian International Three Day Event.

Jayden Brown from Queensland has made an impressive CDI debut with his talented gelding, 'Furst Friedrich' that was fourth in the CDI/W Grand Prix yesterday and third tonight in the Grand Prix Freestyle with 67.72%.

Australian Grand Prix Champion, Sheridyn Ashwood won the CDI/W Grand Prix yesterday, but had to settle for second place tonight behind a dominant Heath Ryan. Sheridyn is pictured aboard her wonderful Dutch stallion and Championship partner, 'VDL Prestige'.