Great horse ride introduces secret dinner

What was once the three day Kilkivan Great Horse Ride Festival has now been expanded to last five whole days.

Steve Horseman and team at the Kilkivan Great Horse Ride shopfront opening.

WHAT was once the three- day Kilkivan Great Horse Ride Festival has now been expanded to last five whole days.

The expansion is thanks partly to a $14,000 Building Better Regions Fund grant.

The festival will kick off on April 4 with Dinner Under the Kilkivan Moon.

This launch was inspired by a song written by Kilkivan resident Mark Burgess called Kilkivan Moon; which will be performed at the launch dinner.

The dinner is at a secret, iconic location near Kilkivan and features a three course sit-down meal.

The event features three ridden trails and one carriage trail this year. Additional features this year include a Great Horse Riders' Forum and three new competitions.

President Steve Horseman said committee members were energised by the growing momentum around their small town's horse focus.

"We have an expanded annual event, an equestrian centre about to be built at Kilkivan Showgrounds, other successful horse events in the area, and several new families moving into the area and wanting to contribute to this event,” Mr Horseman said.

"And last week we opened a main street shop front so we can directly provide information to the public, as well as have our new merchandise range on sale.”