Horse Expo 2009 Programme

The programme timetable for Horse Expo 2009 is listed below. Here's some of what visitors saw (read the full report):

• WORLD CUP OF HEAVY HORSE SHOEING - Six teams of three farriers competed in the World Cup of Heavy Horse Shoeing, which is held approximately every two years between Australia and NZ. The Cup was held by Australia, but this time a Kiwi team took it back! Competitors came from Australia and all over NZ. Each member of the team had to forge, fit and shoe one hoof of their Clydesdale, with the fourth hoof done as a joint effort. Physically demanding, the farriers take a straight piece of steel and heat and shape the shoe (with hammer and anvil in a coke fire), measuring as they go, to ensure a good fit. So the competition involves much noise and drama, with the clanging of hammer on steel and anvil, steam from the water baths etc. A judge from England adjudicated on the day. The horses being shod were local Clydesdales from the KK Stud in Helensville. A commentary was be given throughout the day, so that spectators understand what is happening and people were free to ask questions.
• HOOFBALL - An equine version of soccer, Hoofball was introduced to NZ by Mary Torok and Leslie Hodgson. Hoofball is a great training method to promote horse and rider working together using concentration and focus while having fun. Once a basic foundation and communication are in place, Hoofball allowings horse and human to work as a team. The game can be enjoyed by any level of riding ability, with the emphasis being on fun and communication, rather than competitiveness. At Horse Expo we used horses and riders who have never played Hoofball before, demonstrating how all abilities can take part.
  
• AUCKLAND DISTSRICT HARNESS DRIVING - A specially created harness driving circuit was used by a number of competitors to show what is involved in this exciting sport. We are lucky to have in Helensville one of the top harness drivers in the country, Mairi McIver. Mairi put her pony through his paces around the course - and we really do mean 'paces'!  This is a very watchable equine sport.
• PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION - One subject - 'Horse(s) at Work or Play'. Entry FREE. Colour or b&w, max size 17.5cm x 12.5cm (7" x 5"). Two age groups - under 16, adult (17+). No more than 10 entries per person. Entries will be displayed at Horse Expo 2009. Entries must be collected after 3pm on the day. Entries close Friday, 3rd April 2009. Please ensure every entry has the following: Name, Address, Phone Number, Age Group. Prize money: $20 first, $10 second, $5 third, in each age group. Entries should be sent to: Gaylene Ashton, Secretary, Horse Expo New Zealand, PO Box 23, Helensville, New Zealand. Click here for an entry form in Word format or PDF format.
• Displays from a diverse range of equestrian clubs and breed societies.
• Practical equine demonstrations.
• Trade and retail stalls.

The programme for Horse Expo 2009 ran along similar lines to previous Expos, but with a number of new attractions.

Displays were held in the main demonstration arena. These included displays and informative talks from equestrian organisations and clubs generally lasting either 15 or 30 minutes.

Demonstration Corner featured talks and practical demonstrations on areas such as equestrian first aid, equine dentistry, Equissage massage, feeds, hoof treatments and more.

Retail and trade stalls and displays were open all day, selling everything from tack and health products through to books, along with a selection of food stalls.

Click here for a layout map of the 2009 Horse Expo

2009 Programme - Sunday, April 5th