Horse Expo Postponed for 2008

The Directors of Horse Australia Rockhampton Association Inc have made the difficult decision to postpone the Horse Australia Exposition altogether for 2008.

However, many elements will be wrapped into sister expo Beef Australia 2009 from Monday, 4 to Friday, 8 May next year.
Event Manager Noel Landry says a number of critical factors came into play for the decision to be made.
“Hosting an event of the size and scale of the Horse Expo presented many challenges in the post Equine Influenza landscape and the board has decided to err on the side of caution” said Mr Landry.
“We work with over 15 different associations and clubs to host the various elements of the Horse Expo and we are feeling the continued uncertainty in the industry caused by the EI outbreak and general disruption to competition.”
“In another 14 months we anticipate we would be better equipped to host the many hundreds of interstate and local competitors that attend our national and international grade competitions.”
“We will also be able to better utilise the temporary infrastructure that we bring into the Rockhampton Showgrounds and Gracemere Exhibition Centre.”
Mr Landry said that both the Beef and Horse Expos were not for profit events and the merging of both Expos was a practical, financial and logistical decision in this instance.
Mr Landry said his staff would be contacting trade exhibitors, sponsors, suppliers, seminar speakers and others contracted to the Expo to work through any issues arising from the decision with full refunds to be provided.
It is anticipated that the Horse Australia Expo will resume its triennial status and return as a stand-alone event in 2011.
Visit www.horseexpo.com.au for updates.