Esmarelda goes down under

After going missing for a week – probably in a bar at Dubai airport – Esmarelda landed in Australia just in time to join the Queensland State Equestrian Centre (QSEC) team in welcoming international horseman Guy McLean. We spoke to QSEC to see how she got on…

Tell us a little bit about the history of QSEC?

QSEC was officially opened in September 2011 through a joint initiative between the Local, State and Federal Governments. QSEC is Queensland’s premier equestrian sport and multipurpose events venue. Spread over 30 hectares, QSEC is an idyllic and highly accessible venue with world class facilities, including one of the country’s largest covered sand arenas fitted with state of the art audio facilities.

Along with all-weather sand and grass warm-up arenas, stables, powered camp sites, licensed bar facilities and meeting/training rooms, QSEC is a contemporary and fully equipped facility, ready to accommodate a diverse range of equestrian and non-equestrian events.

We are extremely proud of our venue here at QSEC and are constantly striving to make it one of the “best in the business”. Our team consists of dynamic and innovative staff members always thinking outside of the box to showcase our magnificent venue.

There always seems to be a lot going on, and not just equestrian. What's your favourite event at QSEC?

The events we have here at QSEC truly reflect our multi-purpose status. In the past year alone we have had everything from Rock Concerts; Rodeos and the Professional Bull Riders; a range of Equestrian events; Country Music Festivals; Judges Seminars and Training Days; State, National and International Equestrian Competitions; Caravan Club Rallies, Mystery Bus Tours and Family Fun Days. We have also been lucky enough to have Monty Roberts, Steffan Peters, Jonah Oliver and Guy McLean come to QSEC and pass on their wealth of information. There are way too many events here at QSEC to pick our favourite!

What's Esmarelda been up-to during her trip to QSEC?

Esmarelda has done quite a bit in her days here at QSEC! She has helped out in the office; learnt how to use the sound desk with our sound tech Andrew; had a photo shoot with our venue coordinator, Jodine; sat on top of a pig (a mascot for Hog’s Breath Café – a QSEC venue sponsor); ridden around the QSEC arena with a trick rider from the Kamilaroi Equestrian Team; and met world-renowned horseman Guy McLean; she has been one busy girl!

What's coming up at QSEC?

The calendar is extremely full for the remainder of this year. In the next few months alone we have:

31 May – 2 June: Arabian Challenge
7-9 June: Dressage Queensland Young Rider Championships (Dressage)
14-16 June: Great South Eastern Dressage Championships (Dressage)
21-30 June: Quarterhorse Pre State & State Show
6-7 July: Reining Queensland Two Day Jackpot
8-9 July: Dressage Futures Clinic
13 July: Dressage Series
13 July: Dressage Queensland Judges Seminar
20 July: Horseland Queensland Festival of Dressage (this day is a highlight in our calendar, over 2,000 patrons will descend on QSEC and immerse themselves in everything dressage – shopping, seminars, demonstrations, trade stalls)
26-29 July: Brisbane CDI & Queensland Young Horse Championships

As you can see we are one very busy venue with the venue solidly booked for the remainder of the year!

To find out more visit the Queensland State Equestrian Centre website.