Equitana is the largest equestrian showcase in the Southern Hemisphere — a multi-day celebration of horses, horsemanship, and education, held in Melbourne and attracting industry leaders from across Australia and beyond.
In November 2024, Katherine Outback Experience was invited to be part of something special: the Saturday night Mane Event, the entertainment highlight of the week. It wasn’t just a performance — it was a moment that left a mark on both the audience and the team behind the scenes.
Who it was for
The Mane Event is the centrepiece of Equitana’s entertainment program. Held on the Saturday night, it brings together the headline acts for a single evening of live performances. Unlike the daytime sessions focused on education and technique, this was all about atmosphere, connection, and storytelling through action.
Why it was created
To be invited to perform at the Mane Event was a significant milestone for Katherine Outback Experience. The showcase features only a select few acts and is seen by thousands of passionate horse lovers, industry professionals and families. For Tom Curtain, whose lifelong journey with horsemanship blends music, working dogs and storytelling, it was the perfect stage to share what makes the Territory — and his approach — so unique.
What we created
The performance combined working dogs and horses, choreographed to music and tightly timed to fit the evening’s format. It was a condensed version of the full Katherine Outback Experience show — focused on the trust between animals, the evolving approach to training, and the raw power of connection between trainer and team.
Performing in front of an audience of 4,000, the crowd’s energy was immediate. Reactions were strong, vocal and emotional.
The finale moment arrived when Tom sang “Speak Up” — a song created to support Dolly’s Dream and its message of youth empowerment and anti-bullying. As he sang the lyric “speak up,” the entire audience stood. People had tears in their eyes — including the event organisers. It wasn’t something that had been rehearsed. It just happened.
Who we performed alongside
This wasn’t a solo show — Katherine Outback Experience was proud to share the arena with an incredible lineup, including:
All performers came together for a final group moment to close the night — a fitting end to a powerful showcase of diverse equestrian storytelling.
What made it special
To perform in the largest equestrian event in the Southern Hemisphere, with national and international attention, was a proud moment. It was more than a show — it was a celebration of what makes each performer unique.
For Katherine Outback Experience, it was the first time performing in an arena of this size and style. The time constraints, the audience scale, and the collective energy gave the team a fresh opportunity to adapt and elevate their performance — and the feedback spoke for itself.
Your part was absolutely fabulous. A true all-rounder dog’s, guitar, voice, and of course horses
– Tammy Rixon, Nov 2024. Thank you for an amazing performance
The result
The response was overwhelming — emotional, heartfelt, and affirming. It opened up conversations with organisers, audiences, and industry peers across Australia.
What it’s led to
- Following the Mane Event performance:
- Katherine Outback Experience has been invited to perform at the 2026 Adelaide Equestrian Festival, the largest equestrian sports event in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Early discussions have also begun around opportunities to take the show to the United States.
