globetrotting presents
THE WAY OF THE HORSE
About
The Way Of The Horse (TWOTH) was created in 2005 by EQUITANA Australia to demonstrate a kinder and more caring way to start a young horse and to showcase the impressive training skills of our home-grown horsemen and women.
The competitors chosen for the Challenge each year are picked specifically because they represent the same kind and caring ethos. This year TWOTH is an all female competition.
This electrifying horsemanship contest will have you excited to come back each day to keep tabs on the progress of each trainer and their horse. The end results will leave you in awe!
INTRODUCING THE NEW LOOK:
GLOBETROTTING THE WAY OF THE HORSE CHALLENGE
Since 2005, at the heart of EQUITANA Melbourne lies the beloved Globetrotting The Way of the Horse (TWOTH) Horsemanship Challenge,
and this year we’ve introduced an all new concept and some exciting changes.
Here is a quick reminder of how the competition works;
LOCATION
Grand Pavilion, daily at EQUITANA MelbourneHORSES
4 Horses, all have had minimal training
HORSE SELECTION
Horses are chosen at random draw
TIME ALLOCATION
Trainers have 75 minutes each day to work with their horse
FINAL DISPLAY
On the last day, trainers bring their horses out of the round pen for the first time to showcase their progress to the judging panel
During the challenge, three leading horse trainers will demonstrate their highly personal and specialised methods of connecting with an unbroken horse.
After randomly selecting their young, unstarted horse, the trainers will work simultaneously in separate round pens, giving you a unique opportunity to compare starting methods and training styles. Contestants are judged by a respected panel of Equestrians and trainers in their own rights!
Join us at EQUITANA Melbourne 2024 for an incredible journey with top trainers from across the country. Along the way, you’ll learn about their training methods and witness the transformation of these beautiful horses from wild to willing, in a soft and gentle approach right before your eyes!
Globetrotting The Way of the Horse is accessible on all ticket types.
PASSING DOWN KNOWLEDGE
TWOTH: Masters and Mentors
TWOTH: Masters and Mentors emphasises a strong commitment to horse welfare. We’ve brought together top horsemen and women who share our training and care philosophies. From competitors and their mentors to the judges, our all-star crew shares our focus on showcasing relaxed, happy horses guided by trainers who prioritise their wellbeing.
Each competitor, known as a ‘Master’, is paired with an experienced mentor. This partnership is designed to help strategize and bring out the best in both trainers and the horses, ensuring the horse remains happy and calm throughout the competition.
Meet the Masters and Their Mentors:
MASTER
MENTOR
2024 Man from Snowy River Trainers Challenge Champion
Horses and Stud
Clairveaux Quarter Horse Stud
For 2024, our TWOTH horses are 3-year-olds that come to us from Clairveaux Quarter Horse Stud. Established in 2000 this Victorian based stud breeds all-round horses known for correct conformation, good looks and exceptional trainability. Over the years Clairveaux has produced horses that excel in AQHA events, Western Pleasure, Trail & Halter and Ranch Horse as well as going to adult riders over a wide range of disciples.
SCORING POINTS
Judging and Guidelines
Our esteemed judging panel, tasked with crowning a champion includes;
- Will Rogers: European based horse trainer
- Skye Liikanen: 2022 TWOTH Champion
- Tom Curtain: Renowned Horseman
Competition Guidelines:
- The first three training sessions are conducted in round pens, where participants work their horses simultaneously. The fourth and final challenge is presented individually outside the round pen.
- The first three training sessions are 75 minutes each, with a compulsory 10-minute break. Trainers can decide when and how to take this break.
- The final skill test is 15 minutes long.
- Judging is based on the entirety of the challenge including training sessions and the final skills test.
Judging and Guidelines
Judging Criteria:
Training Sessions:
- Emotional and physical state of the horse during and after each session.
- Ability to manage the horses development.
- Application of process - accuracy and effectiveness of applied aids.
- Time management during allocated time.
- Techniques used to catch horse.
Skills Test (Final Day):
-
Obedience (5 minutes, up to 10 points)
Walking, Trotting, Cantering -
Willingness (5 minutes, up to 10 points)
Navigating poles, jumps, tarps, dragging a bale -
Creativity (5 minutes, up to 10 points)
Freedom to showcase your bond and horsemanship
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Don’t miss the action
Grand Pavilion takes center stage every day at EQUITANA Melbourne as these talented horsemen and women work to prepare their young horses for the final day’s display.
The Challenge
During the challenge, three of EQUITANA’s leading horse trainers demonstrate their highly personal and specialised methods of connecting with an unbroken horse.
After choosing their young, unstarted horse from a selection trucked directly from the paddock to the venue, the three trainers work simultaneously in separate round pens, giving the public a unique opportunity to compare starting methods and training styles. Contestants are judged by a respected panel of Equestrians, who award individual points for techniques used to determine the winner.
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Dressage Specialist
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Dressage Specialist
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Dressage Specialist
PREVIOUS WINNERS & CONTESTANTS
- 2022 Champion Skye Liikanen (Contestants: Steph Lancefield, Hayley Hinton)
- 2019 Champion Andrew Jamieson (Contestants: Georgia Kolovos, Donal Hancock, Amanda Wilson)
- 2018 Champion Bruce O’Dell (Contestants: Tui Teka, Ken Faulkner, Adam Sutton)
- 2017 Champion Tui Teka (Contestants: Emily Weibel, Sharna Little, Brett Davey)
- 2016 Champion Daniel Robinson (Contestants: Damian Hall, Mitchell Gollan)
- 2014 Champion Bruce O'Dell (Contestants: Bianca Gillanders, Kane Lamperd)
- 2012 Champion Ken Faulkner (Contestants: Paul Clarkson, Naish Hogan)
- 2011 Champion Greg Powell (Contestants: Dan Maloney, David Manchon)
- 2010 Champion Adam Sutton (Contestants: Steve Halfpenny, Chad Brady)
- 2008 Champion Dan James (Contestants: Warwick McLean, Shane Ransley)
- 2005 Champion Guy McLean (Contestants: David Simons, Janette Wilson)
THANKS TO OUR the way of the horse sponsor
