2001

Over 42,000 people attended the second EQUITANA Asia Pacific in 2001.  The Melbourne Exhibition Centre was again transformed into a multi-dimensional facility, featuring hundreds of horses over 4 days with 200 indoor stables, 4 purpose built arenas, exhibition booths and cafes. The National Equestrian Centre at Werribee was again featured a weekend of exciting competition prior to the four day event at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

Highlights of EQUITANA Asia Pacific 2001 included:

• The “Mane Event” which featured  over 50 horses and riders, including Dressage equestrian of the century, ANKY VAN GRUNSVEN, Sydney Olympics opening ceremony rearing stockman STEVE JEFFERYS and Australian country music legend LEE KERNAGHAN.

• America’s most trusted horse trainer - JOHN LYONS, Sydney Olympic Dressage gold medalist - ANKY VAN GRUNSVEN, and renowned natural horseman - PAT PARELLI, all presented specialist one-off clinics.

• Olympic Gold Medalists including ANDREW HOY, GILLIAN ROLTON and JULIE HIGGINS were on hand to share their secrets for success in competition.

• 11 interactive panels were created to highlight and debate areas of special interest within the equine industry.

• A 50% increase in exhibition space (compared to the 1999 event) created a complete equine shopping frenzy.

• The largest Australian gathering of equine sports, showcasing Australian and international riders competing for $250,000 in cash and prizes across 17 different competitions, with a total of over 800 competitors.