Equitana Asia Pacific 2008

Clayton Fredericks autograph was much in demand during the Equitana Schools Programme session.

Always popular Megan Jones, complete with her Beijung Team Eventing Silver Medal was a must for the many autograph seekers during the Equitana Schools Programme. The November edition of Horse Deals was a good choice for the placement of the signature, as Megan appears on the cover. Megan is pictured with L-R Jackie Netherway from Warnambool in Victoria and Olivia Garcey and Alicia Ryan, both from Geelong.

Rozzie and Heath Ryan has every reason to smile. Rozzie won the Intermediate 1 Freestyle yesterday and Heath went on to win the IRT CDI/W Grand Prix later today. They are pictured spreading the good oil about their sponsor, Barastoc, and are pictured with company representative, Melinda Buttle.

The December edition of Horse Deals was on sale today and the tills ran hot. Horse Deals Gallery guru, Claire Fennell was kept busy selling the hottest item on the stands in Hall 4..

Grand Prix dressage rider Brett Parbury returned to the rodeo arena in the Saddle Bronc class.

Travis Humphries opened Equitana's Western Day by winning the Open Western Pleasure class riding 'Winderadeen Somelikeithot'.

Brooke Trotter won the Youth Western Pleasure class riding 'Chipaholic'.

Dr Andrew McLean discusses his new book and DVD, Academic Horse Training with one of the many interested Equitana visitors.

A Western Australian rider encouraging their pony to the finish line during the Pony Club Mounted Games Competition conducted today on the Bates Outdoor Arena.

This Queensland combination looks intent on the finish line during the Mounted Games Competition today on the Bates Outdoor Arena.

Let's play ball! Linda Parelli working with a horse during the sell out Parelli Clinic entitled, "The Challenging Horse Demystified", that was conducted in the Grand Pavilion today.

The 4,500 capacity Grand Pavillion was sold out today for the Parelli Clinic. Pat is pictured weaving his magic to the delight of the faithful crowd.

Despite his rather serious look, Danish Dressage sensation, Andreas Helgstrand is friendly and approachable. The camera caught him in a thoughtful moment. Andreas was conducting a Dressage Clinic in one of the smaller demonstration arenas. He will conduct his main clinic in the Grand Pavilion tomorrow morning. The clinic is a sell out as is the Dressage Spectacular tomorrow night.

A wonderful and colourful 'Gipsy Cob' makes its way down to the Breed Parade. There are 31 breeds on display at Equitana Asia Pacific.

Jody Clare with his Appaloosa stallion, Doc Bar None a member of the breeds on display at Equitana Asia Pacific.

Shopping continued unabated on the second day of Equitana Asia Pacific.

The equine star, 'Starlight' from the successful Saddle Club television programme was popular for a pat.

Paula Di Candilo won the Amateur Western Pleasure class with her, 'Winderadeen Gay Bar Micky'. They are pictured during a clinic entitled "Western Pleasure, Through The Judge's Eyes' conducted by the class judge, Carl McCuistion from the USA.

Cath Douglass from Jump Buddies showing off her merchandise.

Popular Olympic Gold Medallist, Stuart Tinney was singing the praises of his feed sponsor, Coprice. Stuart, who spent much of 2008 competing in England is pictured with L-R Holly Rushton from Smith's Gully and Hannah Williams from Kangaroo Ground.

In 2009 the Kelt Capital Horse of the Year Show conducted at Hawkes Bay on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand will offer a one million dollar Showjumping Grand Prix. The show is the closest to a sophisticated European Show in the Southern Hemisphere. Rightly billed as "A celebration of all things Equestrian" , the NZ HOTY runs from the 17th to the 22nd March. Once you have seen the horses you can check out the wine and the rest of the beautiful country.

"All things showjumping". John and Rose Wilsher with the colourful and world's best array of showjumping equipment and timing gear.

These paint horses are not in the Breed Display, however they still provide a great deal of enjoyment. Once you have walked and walked and walked, it seems a good idea to rest for a bit of art. L-R Vivienne Gollings and Pia Mutton, members of the Starstruck Vaulting Team from Geelong, get to painting their horses. They will be more active tomorrow and will be in action at 2.45pm.

Many are keen (!) to ride the Bucking Bull. Here Rebecca Radny from Western Australia looks to be staying the eight seconds.

This virtual trotting driver enjoys just one of the many inter active displays at Equitana Asia Pacific this year.

Tina Marshall is in full flight with her pair, 'Spics and Specs' during the Pairs Carriage Driving Obstathon on the Bates Outdoor Arena today.

Rachael Sanna was third in the IRT CDI/W Grand Prix today with Bev Edward's impressive and ever improving Alabaster stallion, 'Jaybee Alabaster'. They earned 64.91%.

Blas Lago originally from Spain but resident in NSW for many years, was delighted with his 'Northern Hector'. They were sixth in the IRT CDI/W Grand Prix with 61.25%.

Heath Ryan and 'Regardez Moi' both have their eye on first prize. Heath rode Dr Margaret Evans' imported Rubinstein stallion to earn a career best 68.25% to win the IRT CDI/W Grand Prix. Needless to say the crowd were delighted. The reigning National Grand Prix Champions get better with every outing and Heath is certain 'Fabio' has much more to give.

Dr Peter Huntington from Kentucky Equine Research gave an interesting lecture this afternoon entitled "Different Nutritional Needs For Different Breeds". The Ranvet Horse Health Area is proving both interesting and popular. All the talks regarding the many facets of horse health are well attended.

L-R Warwick McLean and Shane Rawsley take a serious look at the horses on offer for the Way Of The Horse. Warwick and Shane are two of three trainers (the third is Dan James from Queensland) that have to choose an unbroken horse and over two sessions showcase their method of connecting with that horse. "They will also demonstrate how to initiate trust and respect". The trainers will be judged over the sessions and the winner named 2008 Champion of Australian Horsemanship. Warwick chose the one with "the nice star and the good eye". over the next two days we will see how well he chose.

Courtney Norbury and Rosies Kool Image along with her father David put on a Western Pleasure display during the Western Spectacular.

The barrel racing was popular in the Western Spectacular.