General News - Equitana 2002 Exhibitors

	My personal award for the nicest exhibitor goes to the Mous family of Mous Boots. Bootmaker Jacob Mous, (pictured here with his family - Hunter, Deborah & Sarah - all of whom I was introduced to) produces hand made dressage, field and lace-up boots. He works with a range of leathers and all products are proudly Australian made.
	Patricia Kavanagh of Horsewear had a lovely display of green and purple Horsewear rugs & saddle blankets. The Horsewear range for Ireland features the Rambo rugs.
	The team at Vampro Weathermaster rugs were on hand to discuss the features of this range. This company was founded by veteran racehorse trainer Ian McMahon.
	You just weren't part of Equitana 2002 unless you had a pair of Ariat Boots! I think this was the busiest stand and no doubt the staff were relieved that they were wearing Ariat boots - or their feet would have been worn out! This line of footwear is definitely taking Australia by storm.
	Blue Dog Clothing - Go West Trading are a predominately wholesale company, manufacturing clothes for all Australians. Gina & Alistair were on hand to ensure that everyone was fitted form the smallest client to the largest!
	Skye Luxton and her lovely sisters had a fantastic show at Equitana 2002. Together they launched Dressage Wear Australia They have a range of dressage clothing, jacket bags, stocks and fantastic felt-filled saddle blankets. Their stand was constantly busy and it was all I could do to drag them away to take a picture. Good luck with the business - I am sure that you will do well. It is a pleasure to see such beautifully designed and created clothes finally available on the market.
	Jon & Sandra of Emerleigh Embroidery had a huge range of designs and clothing at this year's exhibition. I was amazed to see the large number of equine designs that are available. A perfect way to tailor your own clothing or rugs.
	This just has to be the most fantastic range of colourful western wear that I have ever seen. My pictures could not do justice to the sparkles and glimmers that came from the wonderful collection of western shirts and tops available from the Horseman's Trading Post. All sizes and colours and tastes are guaranteed to be accounted for.
	It is good to see the growth of this company, from their first trade stands at the Wandin Horse Trials in Victoria with their first cute T-shirt designs - Tuk Tuk have grown enormously and now have an extensive range of clothes.