New worlds are being created and an information platform of extraordinary quality is coming into existence - an atmosphere in which all horse lovers will find the answers to all their questions. The EQUITANA 2001 sets striking accents in fair activities. When the Essen fairgrounds' gates will open on March 3^rd - March 11^th, the visitor will see the fair in a completely new light. Thanks to a new exhibitors hall providing an additional area of 20,000 m², topics can now be grouped. The motto is "Orientation Problems Impossible". Special halls for topics such as medicine and health, keeping, sports and gait horses, Western and Iberian horse breeds, as well as driving, and leisure offer a broad spectrum for all fields of interest.

Information Platform

The EQUITANA will inform and train more than ever: Technical novelties on the market, the latest scientific developments, rare horse breeds, training concepts, training analysis for various riding methods - everything is presented under one roof. Panel discussions guarantee excitement, specialised lectures guarantee explanations. Special projects, such as the equestrian veterinary surgeon, or the training farriery, are well established, but will be presented in a completely new way. Special exhibitions, for example for covered yards, widen the spectrum of information.

Monty Roberts is Coming

His "Join-Ups" are drawing thousands of spectators into their magic circle, his books have been on the bestsellers lists: For the EQUITANA 2001, the horse whisperer Monty Roberts is coming to Germany. The man from California will be the star of the opening ceremony (March 3^rd, 2001) and will then demonstrate his working methods with horses daily in the large ring (hall 6) until Tuesday, March 6^th.

Top Class Programme

For nine days, a diversified programme is offering sportive highlights and a top class show programme in four small and one large ring. Dressage and jumping competitions, cups and series, driving, western activities including reining, cutting, and pleasure, Baroque horse competitions, and much more - the programme guarantees permanent variety, each according to the main topic of the day. The show impressions are just as varied: Horses of all breeds, colours, and sizes, introduced by associations, exhibitors, and show professionals, draw the spectators at the ring into their magic circle.

Less Congestion

Wider aisles between the exhibitors' stands, grand stands for standing visitors at the small rings, as well as an improved parking situation and a good shuttle service will ensure, that the jams inside and around the Essen fairgrounds will decrease. The opening hours will be delayed by one hour (Before: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., EQUITANA 2001: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.) - a novelty, which will significantly ease the traffic situation during rush hour in the Ruhr area and will teduce the driving time to and from the fairgrounds.

World Premiere

Being the pioneer in the horse branch, the EQUITANA is bringing out new highlights in the sector of horse shows. The EQUITANA evening show is turning into a stage for a world premiere: Horses between mysticism and fantasy, speed and dynamic. In cooperation with the Noble Horse Empire, the EQUITANA presents and produces the world premiere of the unique musical "Le Prince". In the story, happiness and tragic merge with the fascination of horses.

A musical of this kind has never been shown anywhere in the world. The combination of artistry and acrobatics, combined with live music and captivating special effects, and on top, clearly as the main actors on stage, the horses in the centre of the event. The story of Louis Henri de Bourbon is being told, the 7^th Prince of Condé, who lived in the French town of Chantilly. He firmly believed in his rebirth as a horse. Main actor, Mr. François Pignon, guarantees breathtaking loose dressage. Embedded in this story, the EQUITANA special edition of this musical, will draw visitors even more into the magic circle with its manifold and never seen show fragments from all over the world. Mr. Mike Turtle from England, known through his hit song "The Dust", composed most of the music especially for "Le Prince", and by the time when musical star Mrs. Jessica Knoll will begin to sing "We were one", goose bumps are guaranteed. The individual dates of the performance as well as the advance sale numbers of the tickets are to be published.

Dates Facts...

Event: EQUITANA - Equestrian Sports World Fair

Location of the Event: Fairground Essen, Norbertstraße, D-45131 Essen

Organiser:
EQUITANA-Team,
EQUITANA Niederlassung der Reed Exhibitions Deutschland GmbH
Völklinger Str. 4, D-40219 Düsseldorf

Dates: March 3^rd until March 11^th, 2001

Daily Opening Hours: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Entrance Fees:
DM 30.- (Daily Ticket)
DM 26.- (Group Ticket - Minimum 10 Persons)
DM 90.- (Five-Day Ticket)

On Friday, March 9^th 2001, children and youth day, children and young people under 18 pay only DM 15.

Access: Motorway A52, Exit Rüttenscheid, Bredeney, or Essen-Süd, or Motorway A40, Motorway Crossing Essen-Ost

Parking Availability: At the Fairgrounds, otherwise Parking Instructions by Signs and Bus Shuttle

Hotel reservation

EMG Essen Marketing GmbH
Tourist Centre Essen
Am Hauptbahnhof 2
D-45127 Essen

Tel.: ++49(0)201-88 720-46/49
Fax: ++49(0)201-88 720-44

Internet www.essen.de/emg

Hop Top Show: Horse Musical "Le Prince", EQUITANA Special Edition:

Dates

Sunday, March 4^th, 2001, 8 p.m., First Night
Wednesday, March 7^th, 2001, 8 p.m.
Friday, March 9^th, 2001, 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 10^th, 2001, 8 p.m.

Tickets for the fair and the Hop Top Show will be available for sale shortly at all well known booking offices

Sectors

Horses, breeding associations, clubs, feed, horse care products, buildings for equestrianism and horse ownership, means of transport, equestrianism accessoires, service pertaining to the horse, event requists, media, hippological centres, the horse in art, riding establishments in holiday areas.