The Sydney Showground provided some wonderful facilities for us to utilise for our premier event.  With wide open spaces for eating and lying out in the sun, huge pavilions, such as the epic Riverina Pavilion with miles of wandering made possible in air conditioned comfort, and of course the beautiful Dome, which was transformed with a 5000 seat purpose built arena, the likes that is seen at elite competitions in Europe.  The new football stadium took pride of place, overlooking the precinct and providing ample space for some of the much loved outdoor competitions. 

The Breed Village, a much loved aspect of EQUITANA events, meandered down the central avenue of the precinct, showcasing some of the best loved and little known equine breeds.  The Southee Horse Health Pavilion was surrounded by dotted trees and fantastic places to eat.

Sydney provided what Sydney provides best, fantastic weather!  Over the four days of EQUITANA Sydney the sun shone for the most part.  With warm weather and clear skies, horse lovers came out in their droves to take their part in the inaugural event.  These sun drenched attendees sought shelter from the sun and indulged themselves in the wonderful shopping that EQUITANA provides.  Beautifully crafted equine jewellery, snow white imported Italian breeches, horse riding holidays and the huge trucks and floats which transport our beloved animals alongside every feed, supplement and dietary requirement that a horse could need left choosing what to buy the biggest problem of the event!  With Australian and international companies providing high class products, attendees walked out with arms loaded and a vow to come back tomorrow to pick up “that one last thing”.

 Highlights of EQUITANA Sydney 2011 included:

• The first Equestrian Grand Final competitions took place within the amazing Sydney facilities.  The competitions, jointly presented by Equestrian Australia and EQUITANA Australia, rolled out some fantastic horses and riders in Dressage, Showjumping and the exciting new Exhibition Eventing.  Supported by the huge EQUITANA crowds, these competitions look to become a stable part of future events.
  
  
• The new format EQUITANA Australian Open bought the foot stamping crowds, braying for more with the Championships in Reining, Campdrafting and Cutting.  These competitions were really fantastic crowd drawers as our nation’s best bought beautiful stallions and mares from some of the best Quarter and Stock Horse lineage in Australia.
  
  
• “The Way of the Horse” – Australian Horsemanship Challenge, one of the most popular features on the EQUITANA program. Greg Powell, Dan Malony & David Manchon competed for the ultimate title. The Challenge was taken away by NSW local and crowd favourite, Greg Powell, whose calm and reassuring way of dealing with young horses leaves even the most hardened horse trainer breathless.
   
• The Zilco Four-In Hand Carriage Driving Challenge heralded in a new element to nighttime competition, and was much admired and supported by the crowd!  It was the first time that this competition was held, and with Boyd Exell traveling over from England, posed an extravagant opponent for our Australian teams.  The Dome Arena provided a wheel churning, dirt flying experience for all involved!
  
  
• The crowd drawing Education Program ran tirelessly throughout all four days of the event, with 98 Educators providing hundreds of sessions with topics spreading from veterinary dissection to grooming and presentation.With Dutch dressage superstars Edward Gal and Hans Peter Minderhoud;  the effervescent American reining star Stacy Westfall, and US cutting master Bobby Ingersoll and Australian born world driving champion Boyd Exell made the Sydney line up was spectacular.
  
  
• With special appearances from Australian riding stars Paul Tapner, Megan Jones, Brett Parbery and Chris Chugg, alongside our international stars, the education provided was second to none.
  
  
• The NSW Mounted Police bought down the house on Saturday with a fantastic performance along with the striking Police Band!  The Double Dan Horsemanship entertainment shows, Light Horse Skill at Arms demonstrations and many others all helped to create that specific EQUITANA atmosphere that thousands travel to see.
  
  
• The Entertainment Program drew together many elements of the event and created an amazing atmosphere.  The Twine provided some fantastic music during on Thursday and Friday night competitions, whipping the crowd into a frenzy with their signature brand of music.  On Saturday night, The String Angels bought elegance and grace to the evening and a liberty horse act with their lead violinist bought a tear to many eyes.
  
  

• Highlights from the Equestrian Grand Final will be broadcast in a one hour television package on Channel 9 on 1 January 2012, 12noon - 1.00pm (check local guides for more details).The program will feature some of the best action from the Dressage, Jumping and Exhibition Eventing as well as go behind the scenes and talk to some of the stars of the sport, the emerging talent and look at their equestrian journey. 

  
   

EQUITANA Melbourne 2010 saw queues forming outside the venue each day from 9.00am with enthusiastic attendees waiting to immerse themselves in everything equine.

Apart from a little rain on Thursday, the sun was shining on the Melbourne Showgrounds for the duration of the event which definitely bought a smile to all of our faces after the torrential downpour we had in 2008!

The EQUITANA Melbourne precinct offered lots of areas for non-stop entertainment. From the stunning NutriRice Grand Pavilion to the Outdoor Competition Arena, various educational arenas, Breeders Village and three exhibition pavilions accommodating over 300 exhibitors. Our largest equine shopping spree, since the inaugural opening in 1999, offered endless excuses to purchase all things equine, from tack & clothing to truck, floats & machinery displayed along the Grand Boulevard.  “Shop till you drop” was a reality for the weary attendees as they left the venue each day weighted down with copious amounts of shopping bags.

The Breeder’s Village newly located between the Epsom Pavilion and the Outdoor Competition Arena was a popular spot to admire, pat and engage with all types of breeds from adorable miniatures to the gentle draught horse. This village presented an open and friendly environment to have all questions regarding the distinction in the breeds explained.  The Living Legends, retired champion race horses were also on hand during the event allowing the public to mingle with the likes of Apache Cat and Rogan Josh.

EQUITANA Melbourne had many highlights including an exclusive performance from American dressage super star Steffen Peters who rode Sancette to his freestyle music on Saturday evening and British eventing champion William Fox-Pitt having a go at Campdrafting in the All Star Showcase on Thursday evening then going on to win the “Jump & Drive” competition which took place on the Outdoor Competition Arena on Friday.

Highlights of EQUITANA Melbourne 2010 included:

• The All Star Showcase saw eight professional and talented horsemen working together displaying both talent and skill. Steffen Peters (Dressage), William Fox-Pitt (Eventing) Ian Francis (Reining), Rob Hodgman (Cutting), Pete Comiskey (Campdrafting), Suzette Thomas (Polocrosse), Jay Charnock (Mounted Games) and Krystle Lander (Vaulting)
• The “Double Dans” Dan James and Dan Steers were again crowd favourites at the event drawing big crowds at both the All Star Showcase and their popular education sessions.
  
  
• The “EQUITANA Australian Open” encompassed all four days of EQUITANA Melbourne with elite competition and entertainment.  Dressage, Reining, Cutting, Jumping, and Campdrafting all took part in this monumental event.
  
  
• “The Way of the Horse” – Australian Horsemanship Challenge, one of the most popular features on the EQUITANA Melbourne program. Adam Sutton, Steve Halfpenny & Chad Brady competed for the ultimate title, “Australian Horsemanship Champion” which was won by Adam Sutton who truly displayed what was needed to win the competition.
  
  
• Over 200 education sessions, specialist clinics presented by American Dressage legend Steffen Peters, the astoundingly talented horseman Ian Francis and World’s top Eventer William Fox-Pitt were all part of an amazing line up of international and Australian professional clinicians, veterinarians, trainers and field experts.
  
  
• Special appearances by Philippe Karl, the Classical Dressage master from France; Jose Mendez, the former Rider and Trainer of the Royal School of Equestrian Art in Jerez, Spain and Clayton Fredericks, the Australian three-day event icon also proved to be popular education sessions throughout the event.
  
  
• For the first time ever a special 2 hour EQUITANA Melbourne show was aired after the event on Channel 10’s digital station oneHD and featured all elements of this four day Equine spectacular.

After the unfortunate cancellation of EQUITANA Asia Pacific in 2007 due to equine Influenza, over 52,000 loyal patrons attended the 2008 event at the Melbourne Showgrounds . Over 45.4% of all attendees travelled to EQUITANA from interstate, and 5.9% from overseas, smashing all previous records for attendance, commercial sales and economic impact for the State.

The Melbourne Showgrounds, the new home of EQUITANA Asia Pacific has received nothing but positive feedback. From the stunning Grand Pavilion that was transformed into a 4,500 seat equine theatre, to the world class competition, exhibition and educational facilities.

Highlights of EQUITANA Asia Pacific 2008 included:

• 4 days of exhibition with 34% increase in exhibition sales

• 200 educational presentations by Australian and international experts

• Over 300 exhibitors

• 16 different horse competitions, offering one of the largest prize pools in Australia

• 3 nights of entertainment

• Crowds favourite The Way of the Horse – The Australian Horsemanship Challenge

• Breeders Village & Displays

• Specialist clinics presented by Danish Dressage Champion ANDREAS HELGSTRAND, horsemanship specialist PAT & LINDA PARELLI and Australia’s favourite natural horseman, GUY MCLEAN

• New All Star clinic with a cast of elite riders & trainers: BRETT PARBERY (Dressage) and CLAYTON FREDERICKS (Eventing), CHRIS CHUGG (Show Jumping), WARWICK SCHILLER (Reining), SAM GARDINER (Polo), ALAN HANNAFORD (Campdrafting) and genius Australian horseman GUY MCLEAN.

EQUITANA Asia Pacific in 2007 was cancelled due to the outbreak of equine influenza in Australia.

EQUITANA Asia Pacific held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre presented the largest indoor equine event yet - featuring Australia’s largest equine expo, educational sessions, entertainment and competitions.

Highlights of EQUITANA Asia Pacific 2005 included:

• 10 different horse competitions, offering one of the largest prize pools in Australia

• Over 150 educational presentations by Australian and international experts

• 4 days of exhibition with 280 exhibitors

• Indoor Rodeo

• The inaugural Australian Horsemanship Challenge – “The  Way of the Horse”

• 37% Increase in exhibition sales

• Specialist clinics presented by international stars:  ANKY VAN GRUNSVEN (Dressage), CRAIG JOHNSTONE (Reining)  and DAVID & KAREN O’CONNOR (Eventing)

For four days and nights the Melbourne Exhibition Centre was again transformed into a horse lover’s heaven with horse breeds, sports, products and services all under one roof. Numerous educational sessions presented by educators from across the country and the globe, joined 170 Australian and 34 international exhibitors from 9 different countries.

Highlights of EQUITANA Asia Pacific 2003 included:

• The Mane Event played to a capacity audience of over 18,500 across four shows, featuring many outstanding performances from local and international performers.

• US Equine Extremist TOMMIE TURVEY astounded audiences with his amazing skill and speed performing tricks and MARTINA HANNOVER the rising star of the Dressage world performed an immaculate Kur.

• World No. 1 Dressage Champion NADINE CAPELLMANN held her first ever Australian dressage clinic

• Over 3,000 people watched the excitement of Melbourne’s first Indoor Cross Country, commentated by triple gold medallist ANDREW HOY whose wife BETTINA HOY competed alongside Eventing triple gold medallist MATT RYAN and WENDY SCHAEFFER

• ANDREW HOY & BETINNA HOY conducted Master Classes as part of the education program

• 2,700 people attended EQUITANA’s first Dressage Competition & Evening Spectacular

EQUITANA Brisbane kicked off at the RNA Showgrounds with two days of campdrafting and pony club competition before moving to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre for four days of exhilarating competition, exhibition, entertainment, competition and education.

Highlights of EQUITANA Brisbane 2002 included:

• Over 3,000 people watched and cheered the excitement of the world’s first indoor cross country event featuring triple gold medalist MATT RYAN, Matt’s brother HEATH RYAN competed in both the dressage and eventing competitions.

• Triple Gold Medallist ANDREW HOY and his wife BETTINA HOY conducted Master Classes as part of the education program

• American stunt rider TAD GRIFFITH astounded Mane Event audiences with his amazing skill and speed, performing trick and Roman Riding

• World No. 1 Dressage Champion ULLA SALZGEBER’S first ever Australian dressage clinic was attended by over 1500 people

• In his only Australian clinic for 2002 internationally acclaimed horseman MONTY ROBERTS shared his knowledge of non-violent approach to horse training and astounded his audience with his skills

• Renowned natural horsemanship trainer PAT PARELLI helped the “Bush Church Drought Relief Fund” and raised thousands of dollars through donations from people attending EQUITANA Brisbane.

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.

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.