The South Island equine community will be treated to three days of shopping, competitions and thrilling entertainment when Equifest comes to Christchurch this weekend 9-11 December 2022.
Opening the gates to equine-enthused crowds, Equifest is being held at the Canterbury Agricultural Park.
Riding off the back of a successful Taupō event held in October this year, organisers are excited to bring the equine extravaganza that pulls all corners of the horsey world together to the South Island for the first time.
“Equifest is about learning something new, trying something different and most importantly, getting together again with friends and family,” said Equifest Director Ammie Hardie.
Education is the jewel in the crown, differentiating Equifest from any other equine event in New Zealand. Headlining Christchurch’s star-studded line-up is Australian educator Dan Steers from Double Dan Horsemanship, showjumping and mindset coach Amanda Wilson and Hollywood Stuntwoman and trick rider Kansas Carradine.
Joined by trainers Sandy Stanway and Ellie Harrison, dressage rider and working equitation practitioner Jody Hartstone, veterinary Sarah Cruickshank, clicker trainer Bex Tasker and Jumping clinician Kirstin Kelly.
Plus, there is a healthy line-up of Canterbury locals too, including singer and performer Casey Evans and her horsemanship trainer Rhys Evans, coach and mentor Dallas Hopkins, mindset coast Pam Poole and equine nutritionist Luisa Wood.
There’ll of course be competitions on offer across jumping Western and dressage, making the event suitable for riders of all levels, experience and disciplines. And the not-to-be-missed entertainment shows will showcase the talent and glamour of this fantastic industry.
Then if all the education and competition isn’t enough action, head to the indoor shopping arena and marquee to indulge in some pre-Christmas shopping. The exhibition spaces will have everything imaginable for you and your horse.
Equifest remains at its core a place for people with a shared interest in the equine community to come together and celebrate the industry from all elements.
“Taking Equifest to the South Island was an easy decision,” said Ammie. “The South Island has a really strong equine community with regular competitions for all levels of riders as well as many people working in the industry.”
