We thank Rod Lockwood, Equitana director, for taking the time to respond to our petition. They will not be cancelling Patrik Kittel's appearance. However, our voices have been taken very seriously and the organisers are extremely concerned about the number of people opposed to Kittel presenting at Equitana. This comment is interesting: "Patrik Kittel is highly respected in Europe for his horsemanship and his training skills. He comes to us highly regarded and has been competing on the Dressage circuit at the highest level for a number of years. Everyone I have spoken to within the industry speaks in glowing terms about him." This says a lot about the elite European dressage set, FEI controls (or lack thereof) and the judges. Perhaps these people participate in the same training methods as Kittel? We have seen recent evidence of rollkur/LDR and very harsh use of reins in warm up arenas by riders including Kittel. The fact that this is considered acceptable by FEI in Europe does not automatically mean it is acceptable in Australia. Equitana promising that there will be no rollkur during Kittel's masterclass does not excuse the fact that he is an ongoing user of highly controversial methods and in our opinion, should automatically rule him out of being an educator to the masses. Whatever his prestige in the 'elite' dressage world, we have seen how that world is simply not working effectively for horse welfare. We understand that Equitana are possibly legally bound to present Kittel. However we hope that future presenters will be more carefully considered and hope that we have paved the way for better educational choices for Australian horse enthusiasts. Be proud to know too, that Patrik Kittel himself has heard your voice. Whatever pressure we can put on elite riders to consider their animal's welfare more carefully is a win for the horses. Text from the letter emailed on Wednesday 19th October 2016: Dear Denise, Re: Patrik Kittel and Lyndal Oatley at EQUITANA Melbourne I confirm receipt of your email of the 19th October and acknowledge the phone call between Karen Zipkas and my office. I wanted to write to you formally because we take your petition very seriously. It is actually of great concern to me personally but also to our team here at EQUITANA. We are, as you would understand, extremely proud of EQUITANA. It has been a life’s work for me and the team here in the office work very hard on producing the best possible event they can. EQUITANA has only ever tried to produce positive outcomes for the broader equine industry. We feel we play a role in education, expanding the industry and displaying to the world the best of Australian Horsemanship and products and services. We also conduct high level competition at EQUITANA displaying Australian athletes and horses in the best possible environment. We are also proud to bring the best possible international horsemen to Australia for the event. We bring these people to Australia for our education program and endeavour to attract the best people we can. It is actually not easy to attract people of this calibre to Australia as people of this profile and reputation are heavily committed in Europe and America (depending on where they are based). To do all of this we invest significant amounts of money to build a purpose built horse precinct at the Melbourne Showgrounds. So to see a petition of in excess of 3000 names from people saying they are not going to support us or have concerns with our program, is extremely concerning. Patrik Kittel is highly respected in Europe for his horsemanship and his training skills. He comes to us highly regarded and has been competing on the Dressage circuit at the highest level for a number of years. Everyone I have spoken to within the industry speaks in glowing terms about him. This is why we are bringing him to Australia. He has a lot to offer to Australians and has some well-regarded training techniques to share. I want to assure you and everyone who has put their name to the petition that we have no interest in the Rollkur technique and Patrik has been made aware of your concerns as well. So that is off the table for us. Patrik is only interested in presenting his masterclass, which I can assure you will be highly interesting and educational. I can give you my word that we will be managing this very closely, especially now that you have brought your concerns to our attention. We are determined to make this masterclass an entertaining, highly educational and positive experience. I can also assure you that Patrik and Lyndal are determined in this regard as well. We are as passionate about horse welfare as you are and as you could imagine we are extremely protective of EQUITANA’s reputation in this regard as well. Patrik through his competition program is under constant scrutiny by the FEI and the rules of competition; he has no problems with horse welfare and is a popular member of the elite Dressage community. I wanted to say to you that your petition is understandable and respected. Patrik Kittel will be attending EQUITANA Melbourne but you have put us all on notice of your concerns and your opinions have been respected. I ask you to let us prove our honest and positive intentions to you. Over many years we have showed the best of the equine industry and we ask you to believe in us to manage the educators and international presenters to produce only the most positive outcomes. You have made it clear to us that we are under close scrutiny and we will conduct the masterclass accordingly. I hope you will join us at EQUITANA Melbourne and enjoy the fabulous event we are investing in for the benefit of the Australian Equine Industry. I am asking you for your support. Thank you for bringing your concerns to my attention. Yours sincerely, Rod Lockwood