Parelli return to Equitana a natural

The Weekly Times WED 13 AUG 2008

EQUITANA stalwarts Linda and Pat Parelli will be back at this year's event -- one of their only public outings this year. "For the past years we've really not performed at any horse fairs but stayed focussed on our own events,'' Linda said. "But when Daryl Herbert (Equitana chief executive) asked us if we would come back to Equitana again, we were delighted.''

The couple pioneered the idea of natural horsemanship and have influenced horse owners across the world to change their horse-handling methods. "Many of our early students went out on their own to teach and train horses using what they learned from us,'' Linda said. "Now much of it is very different from what Parelli is all about, but the philosophy of being more natural and using communication rather than mechanics is what prevailed.''

Each day of Equitana, which runs from November 20 to 23, Pat and Linda will be showcasing their natural horsemanship theories through four educational sessions, one each day of the event. On the Thursday, they will lecture on The Horsenality Breakthrough, where horse owners learn how to identify and understand horse characteristics. On Friday, they will conduct a clinic taking two challenging performance horses and solve problems using the principles for which they've become famous. On Saturday, they will conduct a session on the secrets to becoming a "natural rider''. On Sunday they will help horse owners develop their horsemanship skills.

Click here to proceed to the "Parelli" page.

Schools & Pony Club Programs

Friday November 21st 2008 has been set aside as “Schools Day” and Saturday November 22nd will be the "Pony Club Day". Once again the EQUITANA education team has developed an exciting program for Horse Studies students, Interschool Equestrian Competitors and Pony Club members.

Find out more about the programs.
Click here for details on Schools Day
Click here for details on Pony Club Day

Leasa Stephen - Volunteer Coordinator

Interview by Berni Saunders, Cyberhorse

I first met Leasa Stephen (right) a number of years ago and was impressed by her ‘can do’ approach and preparedness to 'put-in'  first ... and look for personal benefits as a secondary consideration. This philosophy is quite rare these days and therefore very special when you find it.  Leasa IS a very special person and has applied her strengths, talent and energy to the role of volunteer co-ordinator at Equitana.

In the 2007 Leasa was a driving force to establish a ‘self help’ group which brought together Queensland's horse people with a businesses  that was affected by the Equine Influenza outbreak.  The Queensland Pleasure and Performance Horse Industry was formed so that members could lobby to get things done and support each other as an industry group. With media attention and fund raising efforts the burden of EI was lessened. Leasa contacted Cyberhorse to get our help to raise awareness for this group.

More recently, I spoke to Leasa at the Festival of Dressage at Pinelodge in Queensland as she was on the committee of this  extravaganza to promote the sport of Dressage in Queensland.   Leasa told me a little about her role at Equitana ... and that her involvement commenced in 2001 when the event went to on to Brisbane, following the second season at Jeff's Shed - The Melbourne Exhibition Centre at Southbank. 

Leasa said, "Being a 'horse nut',  I was very interested to read in the local press that Equitana Asia Pacific was planning a show in Brisbane.  I immediately 'fired off' an e-mail to Definitive Events and said that I had some horse knowledge and organisational experience and would be happy to help ... and ... that I had a number of pupils, friends and other contacts who shared my enthusiasm for a Brisbane Equitana and would also like to ‘pitch in’ and help to ensure that it was a success."

"The experience of working with the amazing and dynamic team at Definitive Events has kept me coming back.  The small group that works on Equitana are all "high achievers" and get heaps of work done because of their professionalism and commitment!  It is really something, to see the way it all comes together, to bring  this wonderful experience of learning and entertainment.  I am really proud to be a part of it ... and see this as one of my greatest achievements." enthused Leasa.

That was how it started for the head of the Volunteer team ... and today, Leasa Stephen's personal drive and organisational skill is the nucleus of the fantastic team of  volunteers who are the ‘unsung’ stars of the Equitana.

Leasa insisted that she should not 'hog the limelight' and said, "It  takes a lot of people behind the scenes to bring the show together and the volunteer team is now more like an  extended family who get together to make it a success.  We are all proud of each other and feel that as individuals we could not make much of a difference ...  however, as a group, we inspire each other and this camaraderie makes the volunteer helpers a really  fantastic team."

Leasa explained,  "A large number of Equitana's Volunteers are uni students and many are studying hospitality.  Working behind the scenes at such a large event has given these students a rare insight into event management, catering and entertainment."  She added, “I have loved the feedback that I have receive from volunteers who feel that their part in making Equitana happen has been a very big part in their education and a ‘work experience’ exercise that would be impossible to replicate.  We all enjoy the "buzz" and many of us find that we are in a situation where we are working in new areas and slightly out of the comfort zone and I have seen some amazing super human achievements take place, it is a personal growth opportunity ... to the max!"

 Leasa reflects, “Many of my close friends and valued industry contacts are people who I have met at Equitana, they have added a  richness to my life and value in my business (Gypsie Lodge) - it is great to feel confidence in the network of people around me. We all make lifetime friendships and business contacts and many of us are now friends for life.

"Most of the people from the early days are still involved with Equitana and fly down to Melbourne to be a part of the action,  Leasa said. We   have amassed a significant pool of skills and everything runs like a 'well oiled machine'.  We have a special sense of camaraderie and good will and are there because we love horses and want to play a part in fostering and facilitating other people’s interest in horses and horse sport.  The continuity of the volunteer team has enabled Equitana to be a truly world class event and the special skills and systems that we have developed from the beginning, is an important part of logistics.   We all take pride in this – it is not a job, it is a personal passion and sense of achievement for us all." Leasa added.

The 2008 Equitana has an ‘educational’ theme and,  in keeping with this Leasa has paid special attention to organising the volunteer roster so that helpers will have the opportunity to take in almost all of the demonstrations, seminars and  lectures over the period of the event.  Volunteers get to see the behind the scenes activities and practice sessions, they get to meet the stars and the organisers.

EQUITANA is adding new members to the volunteer team - if you would like to find out more click here.