Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre part of site housing Easter Show

Ahead of this year’s Royal Easter Show go back to where it all began at the Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre Open Day.

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Most Sydneysiders know that you will spot horses in Centennial Park but did you know that equestrian sports have been a part of Moore Park’s history for more than 100 years?

From the first known polo game in Australia to the iconic showgrounds, take a gallop down memory lane at the Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre Open Day on Sunday.

Sheep judging at the Royal Easter Show, Moore Park, in 1937. Picture: The Image Library New South Wales (NSW)

Wood chopping at the Royal Easter Show, Moore Park, during the 1950s. Picture: Supplied by Judy Robertson-Taylor

In 1866 Moore Park was created, formalising its use for sports and active recreation. Generations of Sydney locals made the trip to Moore Park each year for the fairy floss, show bags and prize-winning livestock of the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW took ownership of the “unpromising, sandy scrub” at Moore Park in 1881, building the iconic Agricultural Society Showgrounds that became the home to the Sydney Easter Show for 115 years.

Sydney Royal Easter Show poster from March 1940.

In 1997 the Easter Show relocated to Sydney Olympic Park.

The former showgrounds site was reshaped into three distinct precincts.

The old stables were refurbished and opened as the Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre, while the southern and northern portions of the site were converted into the Entertainment Quarter and Fox Studios Australia.

Crowds at the 1911 Royal Easter Show, Moore Park. Picture: State Library of NSW

The Centennial Park Equestrian Centre was officially opened to the public in June 1998, with more than $10 million invested in upgrades, new stables and heritage restoration.

It is now one of the world’s great urban equestrian assets and home to five resident riding schools and private stabling.

The open day on Sunday is your chance to get behind the scenes at the Centennial Park Equestrian Centre.

Riding instructor Pamela Bode with her horse Jarrah at Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre. The centre is hosting an open day on March 31. Picture: John Appleyard

You will get to what goes on every day at the centre, with demonstrations from the centre’s riders, dressage displays and pony rides as well as tours of the world-class stables, arenas and yards from 10am-2pm. Free entry.

• Submitted by Stephanie Mearns, Botanic Gardens & Centennial Parklands