October 15, 2009
A four-day spectacular that is the National Equine and Livestock Exhibition (NELE) has kicked off at the equine centre Thursday October 15 bringing horse sports, theatre and expo excitement to Tamworth.
NELE is set to spotlight a major new event on the Australian equine calendar with a unique blend of competition, entertainment, education, expo and exhibition to the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre.
Some of the country’s best riders and most talented equine acts are among a cast of hundreds who will be involved in a showcase that features three national horse titles, a state championship, trade stands, and newly created horse events.
Tickets are on sale online at www.aelec.com.au and at Tourism Tamworth. Tamworth Buslines will also operate special free services between AELEC and the south, east and Oxley Vale areas of Tamworth.
The event is the creation of AELEC management and other industry leaders including dressage, showjumping and Hunter breed organisers who are riding a new wave of celebrity in horse and leisure performance sport.
Master equine choreographer and horse film trainer Heath Harris and his business partners have also poured their energy and talent into helping create an AELEC showcase that is more than just an event for horse lovers.
AELEC manager Mike Rowland said the four day program has a wide range of horse show activities from 8.30am each day, with two evening theatrical performances Friday and Saturday.
“The event grew out of the success of the AELEC Opening Spectacular last February,” Mr Rowland said.
“Thousands attended the daytime expo and the sellout evening entertainment saw over 3,500 people pack the stadium. AELEC actually turned one year old last month and has set new standards and benchmarks in the industry, not just as the best equine centre in regional Australia.”
NELE will see the Australian Miniature Horse Association national show, the inaugural Australian Hunter Horse national show with a full hunter, hack and breed program, the Australian women’s extreme trick riding titles, the NELE Freestyle Dressage championships, the NSW Tent Pegging titles and the NELE Showjumping Championships.
The program includes clinics and education sessions, breed village, Australian launch of the extreme new sport Horse Ball, a farmyard nursery and amusement rides, and over 40 trade stands. The night shows include productions of the Electric Horseman, a Man From Snowy River segment, horse stunts and trick riding, dressage and showjumping.
The show is being held the same weekend as the Tamworth Home and Leisure Show at the TRECC and organisers hope their events will bolster attendances at each.