Picture gallery: Melbourne International 3 Day Event

The finest horse riders across Australia made their way to Werribee Park at the King’s Birthday long weekend. See them in action.

2024 Melbourne International 3 Day event, Werribee Park. Pictures: Yuri Kouzmin

The finest horse riders across Australia made their way to Werribee Park at the King’s Birthday long weekend, to compete in the Melbourne International 3 Day Event competition.

Over three days, riders from across the country competed in dressage, cross country and show jumping events, while trade stalls and evening entertainment provided an entertaining atmosphere for attendees.

Teegan Ashby on Magic Mushroom TAE, NSW.

Rider Teegan Ashby, based near Albury, won the 4CYTE CCI3*L class on Magic Mushroom TAE for the second year running, and said the event has been a bit of a “happy hunting ground” for her horse, with preparation the key to a good performance.

“It’s hours and hours of blood sweat and tears, it’s like any other sport in that context, but you’re working with a partner that doesn’t speak the same language as you … and you’re not only dealing with your own thoughts and feelings on the day but theirs as well,” she said.

Developing the partnership between horse and rider is what Teegan loves most about the sport.

“Horses are like people in that no two are the same. It’s about getting to know what suits their personality, their body shapes, their athletic ability, they’re all different,” she said.

“Mine is a thoroughbred, so he’s super athletic, but also super quiet and relaxed … so finding the key to every horse is what I like most about it. It can be tricky, but rewarding at the same time.”

After a successful event, Magic Mushroom TAE has earned a well deserved

“holiday” for a few weeks, before Teegan turns their attention to preparations for the Sydney International 3 Day Event in November.

See all the action.

Molly Tillett on Cause For Applause, NSW.

Molly Tillett on Cause For Applause, NSW.

Andrew Cooper on Sharvalley Thunder, QLD, won the Equestrian Australia CCN4*S class.

Andrew Cooper on Sharvalley Thunder.

Samuel Jeffree on Wimborne Conjuror, VIC, finished 4th in the CCI4*L class.

Samuel Jeffree on Wimborne Conjuror, VIC.

It didn’t always go the riders way on the day, as evident by Christen Lane on Bellhaven Cumbria, NZL.

The water spray adding to the spectacle.

But there were still smiles all around.

Oliver Barrett on Sandhills Briar, NSW, finished third overall in CCI3*L class.

Lamoza Vellsha on Masterson NZ, VIC.

The day wasn’t to be for the young New Zealand rider in the Junior/Young Rider 2*L class.