Equitana Asia Pacific 2008

There was great interest in all the demonstrations on the first day of Equitana Asia Pacific. For many it was standing room only.

Guy McLean has been a fixture at Equitana and it was not surprising that "An Evening With Guy McLean" was a sell out. Guy is a super horseman and poet.

Rozzie Ryan and 'Jive Magic' put their best foot forward. They look pleased and so they should with a 71.08% score to win "The Riders Shoppe" Intermediate 1 Freestyle.

A section of the Equitana Interactive Area, situated in Hall 2 where there are a multitude of interesting horsey activities.

Brett Parberry with the Turner's 'Welthill' that was fourth in the "The Riders Shoppe" Intermediate 1 Freestyle.

Caroline Wagner was second in the entertaining "The Rider's Shoppe" Intermediate 1 Freestyle riding her 'WS Nevada' with 66.02%.

It's all action in the ACE Group Jump and Drive competition. Jamie Winning's Team takes a corner on the Drive section. Jamie has completed a jumping round and now acts as ballast.

'RTP Casino', a Peruvian Paso stallion is an example of one of the 31 Breeds on display at Equitana. "The world's smoothest riding horse" is pictured ridden by Dale Downey in the daily Breed Parade in the Bates Outdoor Arena.

Thirty one breeds are paraded every day in the Bates Outdoor Arena Breed Parade. The Shire Horse, Pictured is 'Noddy,' the "tallest horse in the world.

Sam Williams from Tonimbuk won the Future Stars Victorian Young Rider Championship, jumping the only double clear of the class with his 'Isle of Rahn'.

Former World Reining Champion, Martin Larcombe rode Robyn and Warwick Schiller's 'Smart Like Smart' to second place in the Equitana Open Reining competition with 143 points.

Leonie Huber was sitting pretty on 'OP Apatchie Whiz' to win both the Equitana Non Pro and Open Reining competition with 145 1/2 points..

Glenn Browitt rode his 'Yulgilbar Requestamelody' to second place in the Equitana Open Reining competition with 143 points.

Victorian rider, Rene Hoefchen rode his 'OP Whizzel Do' to third place in the Equitana Non Pro Reining competition with 139 1/2 .

Colleen Kelly is sought after the world over as a speaker on the rider's seat and balance. A dressage judge and President of Vaulting Australia, Colleen was conducting a clinic on "The Rider's Seat, Posture and Balance".

"What recession"? There was plenty of retail therapy being had on the first day of Equitana Asia Pacific 2008. You name it, if it was remotely associated with a horse, it was on show or for sale at Equitana.

The popular Pat Parelli always draws a crowd. Pat and Linda conduct their main Equitana Clinic tomorrow.

Adelaide 2008 Champion Lady Rider, Jacqui Librio, won the strong Senior Rider Over 18 class and went on to be declared Equitana Champion Rider.

Genevieve Burgun was delighted to win the Intermediate Rider class and be declared Runner Up Equitana Champion Rider.

The McMahon's and the McCormick's love Equitana. And well they should, as they won the Small Pony and won the Large Pony class with 'Leanda Hello Dolly' (pictured). The Melbourne Royal Large Pony Champion, by Kirreway For All Occasions was ridden by Chanel Hunter and was declared Equitana Champion Saddle Horse

Popular showing identity, Dale Plumb won the Hack class with his eye catching, 'DP Mayfair' and went on to claim the Runner Up Supreme Saddle Horse award.

The very popular Sandi Simonds during her "Creating Confidence" demonstration.

Grace Hill rode the McMahon and McCormick families' very well performed 'Silkwood Angel Wings' to win the Small Pony class. Grace also won the class for Junior Riders Under 12 years.

There was much interest in the attractive Mitavite stand. There was no need to go home from Equitana in any doubt about feeding your horse.

Olympic Silver Team Medallists and 2008 World Cup Champion, Clayton Fredericks conducting an Eventing clinic on the Bates Outdoor Arena.

Greg Powell has been involved with Equitana since 2003. Greg conducted a demonstration relating to "Understanding Your Horse's Body Language" and will be conducting similar clinics on each day of Equitana.

Peter Horobin Saddlery has been a feature of Equitana Asia Pacific since its inception. If you look closely you can see Peter himself explaining the finer points of his work.

There was much interest in the traditional Equitana Art Exhibition.

Huge crowds gathered early on the first day of Equitana Asia Pacific and well before the 9.30 opening time.

The new look Equitana logo over the entrance to the main exhibition hall. The trade stands and various demonstration arenas are spread over three big exhibition spaces. The Melbourne Showgrounds is proving to be a wonderful and roomy venue for the much anticipated bi annual equestrian extravaganza.