Reborn summer horse show grows in size and popularity
Equestrian Victoria has brought back to life the showing of breeds from Clydesdales to Shetlands in the summer show at Werribee Park.
COMPETITORS were disappointed when the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria cancelled its summer horse show.
The event had a long and happy tradition at the original showgrounds being known as “breeds day” on the first day of the September show when all breeds from Clydesdales to Shetlands were on parade.
It was moved to Werribee Park, and for some years played host to a three-day display that quickly became the popular summer holiday for people to meet and greet while showing their animals.
The RASV abandoned the event some years back but Equestrian Victoria has revived it in the past three years and it has grown again in size and popularity.
EV Show Horse Chairman, Peter Heagney said he was pleased with the event.
“On Saturday, there were two EV rings plus two Riding Pony rings and one Arabian ring.
“On Sunday, there were 14 rings including two EV, the Australian Pony Stud book, the APSB Rare Breeds, plus Appaloosa, Buckskin, Australian Miniature Ponies, Australian Miniature Horses, Shetlands, Clydesdale Sport Horses, Clydesdale Commonwealth Heavy Horses, Palominos, Pony Club, and Interschools.’’
The focus on Off the Track Thoroughbreds was especially strong in the EV classes with 19 entries in the Ridden OTT Hack class won by Camelot, shown by Ali Berwick.
The horse was raced as The Chairman and won the open newcomer and Off the Track newcomer as well as Champion Hack.
Hollie Hilderbrandt’s classic Thoroughbred mare, Divinity, won the OTT Led Hack and was subsequently Champion Led Hack adding this to her Royal Sydney Show sash.
Young farrier Mitch Fox and his fiancé, Brooke Sweeney, are registered as Re-Trainers for horses retired from racing and produced three that won sashes at the show.
DP Touché — that raced as I Am Dreaming — owned by Sara Johnstone-Love, Liberty of London that raced as Canford Queen, owned by Annie Williams, and their own Amber Cavalier.
MORE
PRESSURE’S OFF AS MORE RIDERS EMBRACE LAID-BACK WESTERN STYLE
Delisted Essendon speedster finds new footy home
Former Essendon utility Nick Hind has found his newest footballing home in a move which will help form one of local footy’s best duos. Here is what we know.
Your A-Z guide of country footy’s hidden gems in 2024
Country footy is full of cult heroes and gun players who don’t always get the recognition they deserve. We’ve named our best from across the state.