Local friends win state eventing award

FRIENDS of Ballarat Eventing were honoured at the recent Equestrian Victoria Awards, named Affiliate of the Year for eventing.

The not-for-profit’s committee organised the successful Marcus Oldham Ballarat International Horse Trials which ran over three days in May.

Event director Judy Croagh said the organisation is, first and foremost, a group of friends who all have a passion for horses, and share a goal to promote eventing locally, particularly in the Victoria Park area.

“Friends’ aim is to provide opportunity for all age groups to experience and be a part of high-level eventing at their back door which is an Olympic discipline,” Ms Croagh said.

“It’s to give young riders, young horses, experienced riders, and experienced horses a place to train and compete in conjunction with Ballarat Pony Club.

“We enjoy seeing the grounds in the equestrian precinct continue to be developed and used to its full potential. We are a group of people who are happy to work hard, and laugh a lot.

“Ballarat and its surrounds is a huge horse area. By doing what Friends does, this enables the equestrian community, especially in eventing, to realise their full potential.”

Ms Croagh said receiving the Affiliate of the Year gong means a lot to the close-knit group, who work hard behind the scenes to deliver exciting cross country, showjumping, and equestrian moments.

“It is nice to be recognised for all the work that we do,” she said. “We were thrilled to be nominated, let alone win the award.

“It is very significant as it is not just recognising the committee, but the equestrian community of Ballarat, who are so supportive of what we do.

“I would love to give special thanks to all the people that volunteer every year to make our events work. This also makes our events different from others.”