2010 Equitana Melbourne

An unnamed work in progress. Local artist Barbel Georgi is painting the unnamed horse over the four days of Equitana and he/she will be auctioned after the event. A competition to name the horse is being conducted, with all proceeds from both the auction and the naming competition going to the event charity, Riding for the Disabled.

After a warm morning, a cool change and wet conditions entered the Melbourne Showgrounds. Abbey Heffer rode Janevelyn Truth or Dare in her Intermediate Rider.

Taylah Arnott and her successful, Farleigh Leander competed in the Intermediate Rider.

The Horse Deals stand was popular with many people participating in the "Trail Ride".

In very wet conditions, Tammy Notman rode her successful MP Galveston to fourth place in the Hack class.

Stephanie Barrington rode LA to take out Champion Senior rider and went on to be declared Supreme Champion Rider.

Hayley Gears rode Falconhurst Pussy Galore to win the Small Pony Championship.

Dale Plumb rode Lisa McMaster's, Moniceito Park Royal Flush to be declared Champion Galloway.

Emily McKerman rode Karlana Opening Night to take out the Large Pony Championship.

Katie Ajani rode Salisbury My Guy to take out the Champion Intermediate Rider award.

Chanele Hunter riding her own Crewe was declared Champion hack and Supreme ridden exhibit. Numbers were not huge at the Equitana Show Horse and Rider Championships but the quality was excellent.

Gitte Donvig and Port Said 10 were planing to produce a good performance in the Grand Prix after an impressive performance at the recent Nationals. However, as Gitte said, "they are not machines" and Port saw a "monster" in the corner and Gitte eventually gracefully retired.

The Breeders Village has a wide variety of breeds on display. Elouise Lando shows of her well performed Arab, Show No Mercy.

Chantal Wigan and her Ferro gelding, Ferero have just returned from overseas where they have been training and working on team selection for WEG. Unfortunately they did not make the WEG team but today they won the Grand Prix with a score of 63.7%. The large crowd and electric atmosphere did have the horses "on their toes" so today scores were on the whole not personal bests but it was very good practice.

Mary Hanna rode her newly imported Sandro Hit gelding, Sancette to score 62.2% for third place in the Grand Prix. Mary also was placed second riding her Jazz gelding, Umbro with a score of 62.3%.

Shiwon Green from New Zealand rode her TB/Standardbred/Warmblood X, Gosh to score 60.2% for sixth place in the Grand Prix.

Michelle Jones who represented Australia eariler this year at the World Single Championships, today drove Shepards Hill Cylia to fourth place in the Carriage Driving - Singles.

Jessica Haslau drove Lenson Park Sovereign to second place in the Carriage Driving - Singles.

Caroline Scott from Goolwa South Australia was pleased to be photographed with Olympic Silver medalist, Megan Jones.

It was standing room only for all the educational displays.

Victorian Ricky Smith heads for the goals in an entertaining Polocrosse display.

International Eventing sensation, William Fox-Pitt conducted an educational and entertaining masterclass.

Shopping proved irresistible for most attending Equitana.

The fast moving, action packed Mounted Games competition proved popular with the enthusiastic audience.

Clare Porz rode her imported Candi Ka to third place in the Prix St George with a score of 64.6%.

Maree Tomkinson rode her own and Lyn Sultana's exceptional, imported Diamond Hit mare, 'Diamantina 1V, to take out the Prix St George with a score of 68%.

The Equitana All Star Showcase was a huge hit with the capacity audience. Eight elite riders from various disciplines all gave a five- ten minute display of their particular discipline, then the riders swapped horses and tried a new sport. Steffen Peters riding Rob and Mary Hanna's imported Sandro Hit stallion, 'Shiraz Black' was a real highlight. However, all the riders were excellent and really got into the sprit of the event.

Julia Stewart and her nine year old Rasputin gelding, Ashton Farm Rivoli scored 60.7% for equal fourth place in the Prix St George.

Education sessions by the nearly 100 local and international presenters proved popular on the first day.

Briony Payne rode her Nadal to third place in the Senior Rider Class.