2012 EQUITANA Melbourne

Equitana is noted for its good shopping, just some times it is difficult to get it all back to the car!

Beau Lyttle from Canning Downs Station near Mt Isa in Queensland has been enjoying his week long stay in Melbourne. The Queensland cowboy had a chance to meet 'Gee Gee' the EA "Ready Steady Trot" mascot.

The Revelwood Stud crew were busy fielding enquiries about their wonderful stallions. Pictured L-R, Amanda Shoobridge, David Shoobridge, Emmy de Jeu, the breeder of the stallion OO Seven and Alix McMinn.

Some of the 200 cheerful Prydes Easi Feeds volunteers that make Equitana possible.

The electric fence is one of the modern revelations in keeping horses safely. The Platinum Equine Stand at Equitana, one of about 300 trade stands has all the good oil and equipment relating to the safe an effective management of electric fencing.

When you are organising your next horse party think of the catering for your equine guests. Master Chef, Stephen Lamb, Horse Power Feeds representative prepared these treats earlier. The Ultra Feeds Cake Mix, "A delicious treat for a horse" has been a huge seller at Equitana 2012.

Brooke Yeardley's,' Mara Park Latte' shows great Hunter Jumper style during the Minitana demonstration on the last morning of Equitana 2012.

Queensland horseman, Ken Faulkner produced some very good work, was the crowd favourite and won the 2012 edition of "The Way Of The Horse" . Ken managed to get aboard his untouched Australian Stock Horse at the end of the three sessions and it looks to be happily moving forward which is a great achievement.

NT horseman, Paul Clarkson is pictured riding his hitherto unbroken stock horse at the end of the three daily sessions of "The Way Of The Horse".

Queensland horseman, Naish Hogan made great progress with his unbroken stock horse, but did not get aboard by the end of the three sessions. It of course does not mean that great progress has not been made in the education of the young horse.

Equitana 2013 in Sydney will present the Waler Horse Legacy. This involved six Waler horses being given to six different discipline trainers and presented at Equitana next year. Chase Ellis and her Waler, 'Jamieun' were at Equitana this year to promote the initiative with Australia's own breed of horse.

The six trainers to work on the Walers for the nest 12 months are, Christy Connor, (Trick Riding), David Simons (Reining), Annie Kesterton (Dressage), Damien Judd (Show Horse), Michelle O;Neill (Barrel Racing) and Wayne Armstrong (Carriage Driving).

Some of the 2012 Equitana Guest Stars L-R , Richard Winters, Ali Al Ameri, Kyra Kyrklund, Mary King and Josh Lyons were the judges of The Way Of The Horse.

Some of us may have found ourselves in almost this position, unintentionally of course. However,Jacinta Maurer is demonstrating some breathtaking stunts riding, 'Swarvy' during the Webjet Australian Extreme Trick Riding Championships.

2011 Australian Junior Trick Riding Champion, Lily-Rose Adams shows just how you do it. Lily-Rose is pictured aboard, or at least alongside 'Banjo' during the second round of the Webjet Australian Extreme Trick Riding Championships.

It really is a case of "don't try this at home", but there is no doubt that Primrose MacKellar from Tamworth is in control of the situation. She is pictured with 23 year old Anglo Arabian, Shreeba, that has no doubt seen it all before.

Nicole Creed and Mary King. The London Team Silver Medallist was a great hit, with people skills up to her riding ability.

The crew from Tallaheese, the makers of the popular Speedi Beet and Fibre Beet pose for a photograph, still looking cheerful after three and a half days of Equitana.

The Coprice stand is always well positioned and popular, with riders such as , Stuart Tinney regularly on hand to give advice about feeding horses.

Perfect weather and huge crowds for the four days of Equitana 2012 and hardly a seat to be had around the Tuffrock Arena on Sunday.

Well know and successful Australian Stock Horse rider and trainer, Mathew Holz is pictured during the popular Stock Horse State of Orign Time Trial riding the well performed stallion, 'Straun Park Just Looking'.

Bill Peadon is one of the most successful Australian Stock Horse competitors around. Bill ran away with the Stock Horse State of Orign Time trial riding his , 'Bibbenluke Selena' that has won the Time Trial at Sydney Royal Show on four occasions.

Popular Victorian rider, Jason Fry is pictured during the State of Orign Stock Horse Time Trial riding his typey , 'Condamine Liberty Belle. They took second place in the first round of the competition.

"Anything you can do I can do better", declared Manolo Mendez when he hoped aboard Josh Lyons' Quarter Horse. Manolo executed some crown pleasing spins and sliding stops aboard the reiner. Manolo was part of the Equitana Showcase on the final evening of the 2012 edition conducted at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds.

Billie Pearson and 'Bella' were one of the highlights of the Equitana Showcase on the final evening of entertainment. Billie and 'Bella'played the part of a Cutting cow and on this occasion, the cow outsmarted the cowboys every time.

Well known Australian Stock Horse breeder and exhibitor, David Nash, put his typey stallion through its paces before he swaped horses with UK Eventing superstar, Mary King. David won the Time Trial competition, as Mary was much more used to jumping gates than opening them on horseback.

The Hamag Young Rider Quadrille in action on the final evening of entertainment at Equitana 2012. The riders were, Emma Copley, Arkie Daddo, Michaela Bray, Hannah Bathen, Emma Crocker and Morgan Duell.

Heath Harris' wonderful liberty horses, 'Okkie' (grey) and Grublette performed with talented dancer, Mikayla Barber during the Equitana Showcase on the final evening of entertainment.

Quite an Entrance. Christy Connor, Jacinta Maurer, Carly Thomas, Teleah Jensen, Alicia Bourke and Nadine Robertson make a spectacular entrance, before their even more spectacular Trick Riding display.

Luke Thomas from Longreach and 'Twistie' gave a demonstration of 'Naked Showjumping' during the Equitana Showcase on the final evening of Equitana 2012.