Horse trials ride into town

ELITE displays of dressage, show jumping, and cross-country riding are in the centre of Ballarat over the coming days.

The three-day Marcus Oldham Ballarat International Horse Trials begin today, Friday, 5 May within the Ballarat Pony Club Grounds at the Victoria Park Equestrian Precinct.

Event director Judy Croagh said horse trials are an Olympic discipline, and top-level athletes and their horses will be on site collecting points ahead of Paris 2024.

“We’ve got 370 horses competing over six different levels, making the three days very full,” she said.

“People will be able to see all types of horses in action, doing all different things, and riders of all experiences, but probably the most thrilling part of the horse trials is the cross country.

“Often, we see people sitting in their cars along Winter Street, watching the horses canter, gallop, and jump on their way around.

“It’s an amazing, spectacular sport, and we’re really lucky here to have access to Victoria Park right in the middle of Ballarat.

“It’s such a beautiful spot with magnificent open parklands. To see the horses galloping through the grounds and out onto the oval amongst all the trees changing in autumn is fantastic.”

Ms Croagh said the event, which now has about 100 volunteers, was started to bring a high-level stage to the backyard of Ballarat’s equestrian community, and fully utilise the facilities the city has to offer.

“It opens people’s eyes to what is possible, and people feel a lot more comfortable competing locally than having to travel away to do it,” she said.

“It’s an awesome opportunity for all ages, from 10 years of age to those who are a lot older and have worked their way up.

“It’s also one of the only sports where men and women compete against each other, and the event does bring a lot of people into the town.”

Action begins this morning from 9am, and will run until 3.30pm on Sunday, 7 May. There will be trade stalls, food, and opportunities to ask questions.