Horse lovers will soon have the chance to experience the biggest and most
exciting equine event in the Southern Hemisphere, in Brisbane.

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie announced on Friday 15 February, that
Brisbane has become the biennial home of EQUITANA.

EQUITANA, the week-long equine celebration which encompasses a vast array of
competition, entertainment, exhibition and education, will now rotate
annually between Melbourne and Brisbane.

Premier Beattie said it was an exciting announcement for Queensland as
EQUITANA was one of the most prestigious events of its kind in the world,
and one that had exceeded expectations since first launched in Australia in
1999.

The 1999 and 2001 events each attracted more than 70,000 visitors with
almost 50% travelling from intrastate rural areas and more than 18% coming
from interstate or overseas.

Queensland is an ideal location for Equitana, with traditional links to the
history of the horse in Australia whilst also having one of the highest per
capita horse populations in the world. Equitana Brisbane will be a key
equine event within the Year of the Outback and a celebration during the
Chinese Year of the Horse.

"The attraction of EQUITANA gives us a platform to work together to develop
the horse industry into one which is more cohesive, aligned to economic
opportunity, careers and export," said Mr Beattie.

EQUITANA Brisbane launches with two days of competition at the RNA
Showgrounds (16-17 November) featuring world-class Australian and
international competitors together with a grass-roots program providing for
participation by local equine associations and riding clubs.

The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (21-24 November) will host four
days of competition, entertainment, education and exhibition, occupying the
entire centre. The transformation will include seating for 7,500, 180
stables and yards, accommodating nearly 1,000 horses and 100 head of cattle,
300 cubic metres of sawdust and 2000 tonnes of soil (over 50 truck and
trailer loads).

EVENT ELEMENTS

ENTERTAINMENT
The Mane Event - EQUITANA Goes to the Movies, is an all new two and a half
hour theatre spectacular of lights, music and special effects, featuring the
horse as the star. The power of wonderful music, combined with the beauty
and excitement of equine movement, provides an entertainment experience to
delight the hearts of all ages - and tastes.

The 2002 show is specially designed to appeal to all audiences, with a cast
of Australia's finest equine talent and International acts of renown and
skill. It promises to provide even more fun, action and beauty than previous
shows.

EXHIBITION
Over 10,000 square metres of exhibition space will house an amazing
selection of products and services by 200 equine manufacturers,
distributors, wholesalers, retailers and service providers. The exhibition
will be an international gathering with representatives from all over the
world, making it the largest collection of equine goods and services in the
Southern Hemisphere.

Every facet of the horse industry will be represented including: equipment,
veterinary, clothing, feed, holidays, art, services, gifts, vehicles /
floats, associations, clubs and organisations. There will be many other
things to see and do that will delight all age groups, including an art
exhibition and horses on display.

EDUCATION
Daytime highlights of EQUITANA Brisbane will include over 300 educational
sessions including, clinics, lectures, presentations and live demonstrations
covering all aspects of the horse. These sessions, held throughout each day
of the event, will be presented by Australian and international experts and
will create a unique forum of learning. Organisers are currently negotiating
with Monty Roberts, Andrew Hoy and Pat Parelli to present in Brisbane.

COMPETITION
Horse and rider partnerships will be put to the ultimate test of training to
compete for EQUITANA prestige and generous prize money. This year EQUITANA
will host an array of competitions from many different horse sports,
catering for all interests and levels. EQUITANA presents the excitement of
such horse sports as eventing, showing, pony club, horse and riding club,
campdrafting, reining, cutting, showjumping and dressage.

www.equitana.com.au