1999

Launched in 1999 as EQUITANA Asia Pacific, the event was soon acknowledged as the premier equine festival of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and therefore was classified as a Hallmark Event for the state of Victoria, elevating it to the status of the Australian Tennis Open, The Australian Grand Prix and the International Comedy Festival.

The inaugural EQUITANA Asia Pacific utilised two venues - the National Equestrian Centre in Werribee, and the Melbourne Exhibition Centre which was transformed into a multi-dimensional facility with five demonstration arenas.