Carole Isaacs first entertained the possibility of holding an event in the area around two years ago, when she noticed that a lot of her customers were coming in and talking about issues with their horses and asking for referrals.

Carole went to the very first Equitana expo that was originally held in Brisbane. 

“Things I learned at the first Equitana I still use today”, Carole said.

Carole realised that holding a local expo would be a great way of showcasing local people and their arts, and allowing access to information for people that can’t afford to go to Equitana.

She also wants to bring new awareness and ideas to the way people treat their horses, and consolidate traditional ideas.

Carole approached the Manning Valley Performance Horse Club for their help, and who are now a major sponsor of the expo.

The organisers are overwhelmed with the response, and they already have a jam-packed program, with Saturday being set aside for workshops, and Sunday for demonstrations.

There will be four workshops, with costs ranging from $10 to $65, and if you bring your horse along to the hoof care workshop, the cost includes a hoof trim.

The Sunday demonstrations are held all day and are running in five different locations in the showgrounds at the same time.

In addition, there will be trade stalls, children’s craft activities and good coffee and food available, such as wood fired pizzas, snow cones, German sausages and possibly Neil’s on Wheels, whose Balmain bug rolls were a hit at the Akoostik festival.

Artist Sue Brook will be working on a painting for the duration of the weekend, which will then be the prize for the raffle, and a silent auction is being held, with goods donated by the sponsors.

To celebrate the Chinese Year of the Horse, an art competition is being held, the theme being “Horses’ contribution to society”.

Entries can be by way of painting, drawing, photography and sculptures.

There will be a youth and a senior division, and the winners will be decided by people’s choice. 

There are cash prizes of $150 for the youth division, and $250 for the seniors, with two Breyer horses worth $70.00 each.

The organisers are still looking for sponsorship for runner up prizes for the youth division.

Entries for the art competition are open until October 30.

Entry to the showground is free on Saturday, and $15.00 on Sunday, with a lucky gate prize of a Muddy Creek Coat.

The expo is a not-for-profit event, and proceeds go to rescue organisations Heaven’s Paradise Horse Rehabilitation and Horse Welfare Inc.

For more information go to Manning Valley Horse Expo’s website www.manningvalleyhorseexpo.com or their Facebook page (Manning Valley Horse Expo), or contact Carole Isaacs on 0400 021410.