General News - Equitana 2002 Exhibitors

	The Belcam team had a very busy Equitana. They ran their Annual Auction on Saturday 23rd November and gave Equitana visitors the opportunity to view all of the action on a big screen at their stand. Belcam also ran shuttle buses from the exhibition centre to the stud. This was a fantastic opportunity for visitors to make the most from their trip to Queensland. However, since their successful auction Belcam have had a fire which destroyed most of the equestrian centre. Fortunately no horses or people were injured. Click here to visit the Cyberhorse report on the Belcam fire. Many records have been lost and your help may be needed to restore these important documents.

	Heathfield Qld in conjunction with A&T Vet had a wonderful display showing their fantastic facilities. Together this team run a very successful Equine Reproduction Centre offering the best of care and attention for artificial insemination, embryo transfer & semen collection.
	The Arabian Horse Society of Australia were actively promoting their breed. They took part in many demonstrations showing the versatility of the Arabian horse. They also had an act in the Mane Event, and several other Mane Event acts featured Arabian horses. Here we see a classical arabian costume based on Bedouin tribes from the desert. These costumes are neutral toned and not as colourful and "sparkly" as the show costumes.
	The Irish Draught & Sport Horse Society had a stand promoting this versatile breed. Although there are only a small number of horses in Australia, they are making their mark in all equestrian disciplines, showing their versatility in dressage, show jumping, eventing and working hunter classes.
	Donegal Double Take was one of the horses on display to promote the breed. He really caught my eye with his lovely chestnut coat and flaxen mane and tail. This stallion is by the imported stallion, Kiltoghert Casey (dec) out of a thoroughbred mare. He clearly demonstrated the wonderful temperament of this breed as he stood all day and patiently put up with all of the inquisitive people peering in his stable.
	Kinnordy Stud were at Equitana to promote their forthcoming Performance Horse Auction. Holger Schmorl, Stud Principal, has been breeding elite Hanoverian performance horses on the Darling Downs, since he emigrated with his family from Germany in 1983.
	The Miniature Horse Association of Australia always manage to create a lot of interest with their live displays. This gorgeous grey mare was happy to pose with her humans for my picture (unfortunately I couldn't gt her cute little foal in the same photo). The MHAA gave a number of demonstrations throughout the exhibition demonstrating the versatility of these pocket-sized horses! They are in fact miniature horses - not to be confused with miniature ponies.
	The Welsh Pony & Cob Society of Australia made the trip to Equitana to promote their society. Queensland has a shortage of welsh breeders, most buyers have to come to the southern states to buy their ponies. It was interesting to see the number of people who flocked to this stand over the four days to find out more about these versatile ponies.
	The Safemate foal alarm is now available in Australia. A welcome tool for those who spend endless sleepless nights sitting up and waiting for the mare to foal!
	Total Reproduction were represented at this years Equitana. Providing all your requirements for equine breeding and offerring fantastic customer service. Total Reproduction also supply foaling aids, books, videos and other equipment. Everything for the first time breeder through to the professional stud. Visit their web site at www.totalreproduction.com Or contact them by email - tr@totalreproduction.com or telephone (03) 5593 3266
	The Australian Stock Horse Society were promoting their breed at this Equitana 2002. The opening act of the Mane Event featured a quadrille of Stock Horses - mastered by Sgt. Don Eyb of the NSW Mounted Police. Sgt. Eyb also mastered the quadrille for the opening of the 2000 Olympics, and "The Man from Snowy River Show".
	Hunter Jones of the Australian Quarter Horse Association. Their display was quite clever and made use of a "stable" environment. I detected some friendly rivalry between the quarter horse people and the stock horse people!!!
	Pacific Vet displayed their comprehensive range of embryo transfer equipment for animals and a range of artificial insemination products.