Equitana Melbourne 2014

The crowds were queuing early on the first of four days of Equitana 2014 at the Royal Melbourne Show grounds.

Brook Dobbin is pictured aboard the Cooney family's lovely imported German gelding, 'Silvo' on their way to seventh place in the World Cup Warm Up class. The World Cup will be conducted in the Grand Pavilion at Equitana (Melbourne Showgrounds). Twenty two started in the warm up and it is expected that all will start tomorrow night.

South Australian jumping and eventing rider, Anthony Thomas is pictured riding his 'Levitation NZPH' in the World Cup warm up class on the first of four days of equestrian action at Equitana Melbourne. Anthony started Levitation in the dressage phase of Adelaide CCI 2 Star last weekend, but took no further part in the Three Day Event, opting to save the horse for the Equitana World Cup.

Reigning Australian Senior Show Jumping Champion, Dave Cameron rode the Martin family's imported mare, 'RR Dyranta' to produce a slick round to win the World Cup Warm Up One Round class.

Shaun Saunders took out an impressive double tonight by taking first place in the Equitana Australian Open Reining Championship with both Xtreme Quarter Horses four year old, 'QXH Doc's Stylish Oak' and Scott Glover's 'Ruf Major' for equal first.

The selection of he horses for The Way of the Horse were made today and Boot Camp For Broncs principle, Bianca Gillanders looks pleased with her choice.

Way of the Horse contestant, Kane Lamperd.

Heath Ryan can talk and is a good choice as MC for the Way of the Horse letting his knowledge and good humour come through. A little earlier Heath appeared in the Grand Prix Dressage trot up with his Grand Prix Freestyle winner for the past three years, 'Regardez Moi' and no doubt heath, the reigning Australian Dressage Champion will be keen to make it four in a row on Saturday night.

Bruce O'Dell, a former professional saddle bronc rider and master farrier is the third contestant in the Way of the Horse competition that is conducted over the four days of Equitana with a final presentation on Sunday afternoon. An unbroken horse is selected and a panel of judges decide who has made the best progress with them after the four days.

Anything you wanted to know about careers in the racing industry and the Racing Victoria Off The Track programme can be answered at the Racing Victoria stand.

Veterinary bills can mount up and insurance may be an option you wish to take up with Petplan Equine.

Keep your paddocks perfect with Greystone paddock management equipment.

The Light Rider Bitless Bridles zebra dominates this scene in the busy Epsom Pavilion that is chock a block full of everything you need for you and your horse, and then some.

You too can ride Valegro in a victory lap of honour at Equitana thanks to the National Centre for Equine Education.

Jenny Saunders and Guy Wailes from Dubbo in NSW were well armed with all the information regarding what is where on the first day of 2014 Equitana Melbourne.

German Olympic Eventing Team Gold Medalist, Dirk Schrade from Germany gave a popular Eventing Masterclass on the main Melbourne outdoor arena this afternoon.

Victorian professional, Quarter Horse rider, trainer and breeder, Trish Wettenhall is pictured during the clinic given by well known American clinician, Lyn Palm one of the world class guest presenters at Equitana 2014.

On special occasions and as an occasional treat, Doyle Dertell, principle of Future Farms Arabian Stud gives his stallion, a drink of Coca Cola. But like every good parent it is an occasional treat.

Morgan Horses jump through hoops, as this horse demonstrates and can be seen in the popular Breeds Expo.

These happy Equitana visitors got in early with their shopping and now it is matter of getting it all back to the car so they can reload. re load.

These young participants in the Equestrian Australia Ready Set Trot programme are obviously having a great time.

Tallara Barwick from NSW rode 'Copabella Verdi' to jump a good round over the demanding Equitana Equestrian Grand Final Express Eventing course, including jumping the joker , a formidable set of 1.40m planks. They took fourth place overall after the dressage and jumping phases.

Citizen of the world, Murray Lamperd who lives on the Bellarine Peninsular in Victoria when at home is pictured aboard his super jumper, 'Don Skipcello' during the jumping phase of the Equitana Equestrian Grand Final Express Eventing. They claimed third place in the class after a good jumping round that involves both show and cross country jumps.

Katja Weimann rode her home bred, 'BP Cosmopolitan' to fourth place last Sunday in the Adelaide CCI Four Star and today the horse that won the award for the best Showjumping Round at Adelaide jumped a super and easy round to win the Express Eventing eleven points ahead of second place.

Express Eventing star, Shane Rose rode his talented Vivant gelding, 'Virgil' to second place in the Equestrian Grand Final Express Eventing competition.

Well know and well respected North American clinician, Lynn Palm gave a well attended Western Dressage clinic in the Grand pavilion this morning.

Thea Griffin rode Carol Sargeant's, 'RBH Whiz Kid' to fourth place in the Equitana Australian Open Reining Championship with a score of 208.

Popular Reining competitor, trainer and Chef D'Equipe for the Australian WEG Reining Team, Rodney Peachey rode Mel Sporry's, 'Whizzle With Me' to fifth place in the Equitana Australian Open Reining Championship.

Warren Backhouse is pictured aboard Deborah Segeren's super stallion, 'Shiney and Nu' that had to settle for third place with 212.5 in what was to be the very well performed stallion's last major show. He looks forward to spending the rest of his life looking after his mares.

Understandably, special guest, Olympic, World, European and World Cup Dressage Champion, Charlotte Dujardin was in great demand for signings and photos at the Horse Deals Stand today. Even showjumping and showing star Jess Stalling from NSW was keen to get in on the action.