4 WAIKATO AGRIBUSINESS NEWS <strong>September</strong> <strong>2017</strong> Equidays attracts the best in the world A father-and-son cowboy duo from the US, an Olympic equestrian coach and New Zealand’s horse-taming Wilson sisters are just some of the attractions at this year’s premier national equine event, Equidays in October. Ammie Hardie, Equidays’ senior event manager, says preparation for the “biggest Equidays yet” are tracking smoothly, including plans to take a “slice” of the event to the South Island – in Christchurch - for the first time, which she says will allow a wider audience to see what the event offers. “We’ve been keen to do a South Island version for a while now, so with the success of previous years behind us we felt like this was the year to do it,” says Mrs Hardie. “We’re really excited to share our world-class clinician workshops, exhibitors and entertainment with everyone heading along.” Last year, Equidays had more than 23,000 visitors through the gates at Mystery Creek, more than double the number five years before. With the event now in its seventh year, Mrs Hardie says they’re always looking to add to what they offer. “We get so much amazing feedback after each event, and we’ve just gone from strength to strength each year,” she says. This year Equidays runs from 13-15 October at Mystery Creek Events Centre near Hamilton. Since its inception in 2010, Equidays has grown into a world-class event, endorsed by Equestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ) and event ambassadors the popular Wilson sisters. Education is a big focus of Equidays, alongside its values Entertain, Equip and Empower. This year there are 16 visiting clinicians and more than 40 hours of clinics per day, along with more than 200 exhibitors where visitors can purchase equine equipment. A competitor in the showjumping at last year’s Equidays. Each year international clinicians host a variety of teaching workshops for riders and the public. Among the clinicians this year are Rob Ehrens, Olympian and coach of the current world show jumping champion, and Kyra Kyrklund, who is a six-time Olympic medalist and world champion dressage superstar. A third night show has also been added to the line-up of entertainment. “We’ve usually had night show on the Friday and Saturday, but due to demand we’ve now added a Sunday night event,” says Mrs Hardie. The night shows feature top riders racing and jumping, and performances from world-leading equine entertainers. The Wilson sisters (Vicki, Kelly and Amanda) will host the inaugural ‘Top Talent’ competition, where selected participants impress the crowd with their horsemanship skills, and Texan father-and-son duo Craig and Cole Cameron will lead the ‘Cowboy Challenge’ – a competition for western riders. Other performers include Dan Steers – aka Double Dan – and his wife Pia in the Equitainment Extravaganza, and Kapiti Vaulting, who will perform alongside adagio dancing duo Silhouette. Equidays South Island Edition The South Island Equidays runs from 21-22 October at Canterbury Agricultural Park in Christchurch. Most of the world-class clinicians appearing in Hamilton will present workshops in Christchurch, and two night shows are scheduled. A selection of exhibitors will also be on-site. KuDos for scientists Dr James Neale, Dudley Bell and Associate Professor Karin Bryan. Three University of Waikato scientists are finalists in this year’s KuDos awards, held to celebrate science in the Waikato. Associate Professor Karin Bryan from Earth and Ocean Sciences primarily researches sediments and nutrients in coastal environments in New Zealand and overseas. She is a finalist in the Waikato Regional Council Environmental Science category. Dr James Neale is a Senior Research Fellow and Leader of the Engineering Energy Research Group, a team investigating industrial energy efficiency, process efficiency, plant reliability and GHG emission reductions, mostly in the dairy and pulp and paper sectors. He’s a finalist in the Engineering Science category, while Dudley Bell, Team Leader (Aquatic) in the School of Science, has been nominated in the Science Manager category for his work in marine, freshwater, behavioural and Antarctic science, supporting graduate and staff research, developing resources and facilitating and managing the vocational aspirations of a large group of technical staff across biological disciplines. Winners will be announced at the KuDos Awards Gala Dinner, 28 <strong>September</strong> at Claudelands Event Centre. Facing a winter struggle on the farm? Braemar Hospital has a first class team of over 100 specialists to take care of you. Braemar is NZ’s most modern private surgical hospital with ten operating rooms. You will be able to have your surgery at a time to suit the needs of yourself, your family and your farming commitments. Ask your GP to refer you to one of Braemar’s surgeons. Let Braemar take good care of you • Hearty meals served by our resident chef • Wireless internet to track schedules and stock prices • Ensuite in each bedroom • Sports action (including racing channel) on Sky TV • Daily newspapers and magazines • Outdoor courtyard and gardens Ask for Braemar www.braemarhospital.co.nz 24 Ohaupo Road, Hamilton Phone: 07 843 1899 | Email: reception1@braemarhospital.co.nz Braemar Hospital accepts all medical health insurance policies including Southern Cross, Sovereign and Tower.
WAIKATO AGRIBUSINESS NEWS <strong>September</strong> <strong>2017</strong> 5 For radio solutions that provide agricultural operations with increased worker safety - including lone worker and man down alerts Call us today on 07 444 5110 www.dovecom.co.nz
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