Friday At Equitana Melbourne – A Day Of Skill And Action!

Friday the 16th of November at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds is a day that you should definitely grab a ticket for - whether you are a dedicated Reining or western disciplines fan, or if you enjoy great equine action, expert riding and fantastic entertainment!

The indoor arena will feature a unique Western Performance Clinic, presented by two of America’s top trainers and behaviouralists, Josh Lyons and Richard Winters, who will provide many insights into Cutting, Reining, Western Pleasure and trail training. You can then settle in to watch the first day of the horsemanship challenge that has taken the country by storm, The Way of the Horse. This year’s contest sees Ken Fawkner, Naish Hogan and Paul Clarkson, start a young horse the right way, over three days in the arena together, so you can compare their individual methods. In the outdoor arena the actions is fast and furious, with the new “Top Score Stakes” carriage driving competition, which sees our daredevil drivers “flying” around the course to make those points and the popular jump and drive challenge where our top show jumpers leap onto the carriages for a fast leg after completing their jumping round. We then move onto an extraordinary training experience, as renowned Eventing legend, Mary King, fresh from yet another medal win at the recent Olympics, presents a Masterclass that will show you just why she has been at the top for so long and, give you plenty of tips to help you on your way. Mary will be followed by the new to EQUITANA Melbourne competition that is taking the country by storm. Exhibition Eventing is a customised version of Eventing that includes a short Dressage test (with movements up to 3-star level); followed by a jumping course that combines show jumps (up to 3-star dimensions) and cross-country fences (up to 2-star dimensions). A total of fifteen of the country’s top riders and horses will compete for the prize pool in this fast-paced and exciting contest. Then when the sun goes down, the lights, music and excitement pump up! The EQUITANA Australian Open Reining Championships promises a night of beauty and athleticism at its very best. This incredibly testing sport showcases the seemingly effortless movements of the elite Reining horse as it performs patterns punctuated by high-action spins and slides - all to fabulous, foot stomping music! The talented “Red Duo” will deliver an electrifying music set, our international guests Richard and Sarah Winters will present an incredible reining freestyle together and, the four winners of the EQUITANA Youth Reining heats will entertain you with a fun quadrille. Visit Equitana Australia for ticket sales and more information.