Equestrian Expo comes to Farm World

The construction of a new Baw Baw Equestrian Centre on the western boundary of Lardner Park means that the ‘Farm World Equestrian Expo’ will be an exhilarating new addition to Farm World 2016, to be staged from Thursday April 7 to Sunday April 10.

The Farm World Field Days have grown to be one of Australia’s largest regional agricultural events, attracting over 50,000 visitors to inspect some 700 exhibits.

The Farm World Equestrian Expo will add a whole new dimension to the field days and its inclusion reflects the size and importance of the horse industry to both Gippsland and the regions surrounding Melbourne.

A ticket to Farm World includes entry to the Farm World Equestrian Expo. The Equestrian Expo is generously supported by sponsors Pakenham Isuzu UTE and Gippsland Isuzu UTE.

Visitors to the Expo will be able to inspect a selection of dedicated equestrian-related exhibitors, attend a variety of master classes with advice from the best in the industry, and watch or participate in dressage or show jumping competitions.

Equestrian master classes to suit all levels of enthusiast.

A huge range of classes and presentations has been scheduled including advice from expert Katie Ramsay who will showcase the thoroughbred as a versatile performance and pleasure mount, and will demonstrate different training methods.

Rider fitness and nutrition is just as important as that of the horse and Zoe Hyde is a personal trainer who specialises in helping riders with their fitness.

She will discuss rider nutrition and demonstrate exercises that are beneficial to riders.

Advice on ways to determine if your saddle suits your individual horse will come from Robert McCann who studied in England with the society of master saddlers, and is currently the chief instructor for the ASFA saddle fitting courses.

Rene Spierings will show how long reining is valuable tool when breaking in a horse, training performance horses and for rehabilitation or fitness work. His presentation will cover how to correctly and safely educate your horse in long reins.

Four feet on the floor is better than four feet in the air! Dan Maloney will show how to get control of your horse’s feet to improve communication between you and your horse.

The ‘Four To The Floor’ demonstration focuses on safety first followed by fun and then success!

The Mounted Games Demonstration features a series of very fast races performed on horseback; riders require a high degree of athletic ability, good riding skills, hand- to- eye coordination, general determination to see things through to the end and a competitive team spirit.

A presentation on how to grow sustainable pastures for horses by Simon Hunt from Stephen Pasture Seeds will include pasture establishment and ongoing maintenance.

Adam Wootten has been showjumping for over 20 years internationally.

His presentation on training showjumpers will cover a variety of exercises on horses at different levels, sharing techniques to develop a successful show jumping horse.

Visitors to the Expo can come along and learn the basics behind Jess Oldham’s Body Control technique.

She will show how to apply the method from groundwork to riding, gaining horse and rider confidence and increasing your bond with your horse. The session will also discuss the rider and how to improve position with simple exercises.

Nicole Magoffin is a Grand Prix dressage rider based in Queensland, and has trained in the USA under Steffen Peters.

This ‘ Training Scale Simplified’ presentation will cover how to correctly follow the German Training Scale, correctly identify where your horse’s strengths and weaknesses are in regards to the training scale, and how to put this knowledge into everyday practice.

Dentistry and Laminitis Management is the subject of this presentation by Amanda Waller, an equine veterinarian and BVSc (Hons) horse dentist, with many years’ experience in the equine industry treating horses from all disciplines, from yearlings to retirees. She will discuss the importance of preventative dentistry, and the prevention and management of laminitis.

Ang Lea, a qualified and professional equine body and Bowen therapist, will present a talk called ‘ Horse Fix’ which she calls a DIY horse owner’s body therapy and holistic toolbox. It is designed to empower owners to assess and care for their horses’ on a whole new level.

HRCAV and EA Dressage Jackpots

Members of Horse Riding Association of Victoria and/ or Equestrian Australia will be competing in dressage events in a range of competency levels.

The HRCAV Jackpot will be staged on Thursday of the Expo and the EA Dressage Jackpot will be on Friday. Whether you compete or just come along to enjoy the show, it is an event not to be missed.

Show jumping as well!

Saturday April 9 and Sunday April 10 will feature an extensive show jumping schedule for a range of classes, culminating in the awarding of the inaugural ‘Farm World Cup’.

The two key show jumping competitions, the ‘Farm World Cup’ and the ‘Mini Prix’ are respectively sponsored by ‘Pakenham Produce and Saddlery’ and ‘Yarragon Rural Supplies’.

For all the information and the schedule of event go to http:// www. lardnerpark. com. au/ FWe questrianexpo.html