By Esther Lauaki
Four major equestrian events are coming to Werribee.
Werribee Park Equestrian Centre will host Dressage and Jumping with the Stars; the Melbourne International Three Day Event; the Australasian Show Horse and Rider Championships and the Australian Interschools Equestrian Championships between 2020 and 2021, following a funding announcement by Equestrian Victoria.
Werribee Park Equestrian Centre chair Suzie Batten said she was pleased to welcome more premier events to the area.
“Larger events attract competitors and spectators from interstate and overseas,” Ms Batten said. “There are several weekends a year that all accommodation is booked out in Werribee and Point Cook as a result of events at Werribee. Those people are also eating out and accessing services in the Wyndham area.”
Werribee MP Tim Pallas said Dressage and Jumping with the Stars is one of Australia’s premier multi-discipline equestrian events with competition classes for young horses across three international and Olympic disciplines.
“Sport is such an important part of our community and it’s fantastic that we’ve been able to attract these exciting events to Werribee,” Mr Pallas said.
“This is great news for fans and also for local workers and businesses. “It means we can showcase our region to a wide audience.”
Held over three days, the event attracts more than 400 participants, 100 coaches, support staff and officials, and more than 3500 spectators.
Dressage and Jumping with the Stars will be on March 19 to 21. The Melbourne International Three Day Event will follow in June, the Australasian Show Horse and Rider Championships in December and the 2021 Australian Interschools Equestrian Championships will make its way to Werribee next year.
