Gold Coast Show 2025 new equestrian showcase

An incredible story of survival will make history at this year’s Gold Coast Show as the 118th event debuts a brand new showcase - and it’s all free to watch.

An incredible story of survival will make history at this year’s Gold Coast Show as the 118th event debuts an equestrians with disabilities showcase.

Not-for-profit Four Legs and Wheels has partnered with the show to provide anyone living with any disability the opportunity to come and join in, assisted or unassisted.

Founder Katy Driver said after facing her own significant challenges she’s on a mission to help others through the power and bond of animals.

Putting Rusty the Minature Horse through his paces before the Gold Coast Show is Katy Driver from 4 legs and Wheels. Picture Glenn Hampson

“I had a mustering accident in 2007, then a brain injury in 2011, then I had a tiger snake bite in 2020 which was five days in ICU, and I had a brown snake bite a few years before that as well,” she said.

“I’ve had a few things happen to me and the horses have always been there. They always helped pull me through.”

Ms Driver said when she became fully wheelchair bound she discovered miniatures who needed a second chance, which is where her love for rescuing and training began.

“There’s a lot of miniatures that are neglected and abused or just people can’t care for them,” she said.

“So I started taking in, rescuing, rehabbing, retraining and if any are suitable, I can match them up to new homes, or I train them up and they come out and be used in the equestrians with disabilities classes and shows.”

That’s where Four Legs and Wheels started.

Melle fan t'Lakerveld, the Freisan Stallion ridden by Meisha Demears in Broadwater Parklands before the Gold Coast Show. Picture Glenn Hampson

“They’ve got four legs, we’ve got the wheels so we get out there and give it a go and do everything we can regardless of limitations or disabilities,” she said.

Riding classes will be available for people living with disability, with registrations online via the Gold Coast Show website.

Show president Josephine Tobias said the show gets “bigger and better” each year, with the new addition testament to the growing popularity around its agricultural elements.

This year’s full two-day equestrian program includes show jumping, the new addition - Polocrosse, Friesians, Heavy Horse, OTT (Off the Track Thoroughbred Class), and Ranch Riding – and it’s all free.

The Show will extend the full 4km of the Broadwater Parklands, with Ms Tobias confirming showbag prices will remain the same as last year.