Entries open for the 2014 Royal Melbourne Show Horses in Action program in a milestone year

2013 Garryowen Winner - Mrs Susanne Pedersen

Clydesdales competing at the Royal Melbourne Show

The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) has opened entries for the 2014 Horses in Action program, held during the Royal Melbourne Show from Saturday, 20 September to Wednesday, 1 October 2014 at Melbourne Showgrounds. 

There's nothing like winning a prestigious blue ribbon in the Horses in Action program at the Royal Melbourne Show, which showcases Australia’s best horses and riders across more than 225 classes and offers more than $80,000 in prize money and trophies.

International and interstate experts will judge the competition, including Mr Peter Tennant (Scotland) judging Led and Harness Clydesdales, two time Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout winner Ms Maree Tomkinson (VIC) judging Open Hacks, Ms Gina Montgomery (NSW) judging Open Galloways, Ms Pennie Claney (NSW) judging Open Ponies, Mr Roger East (VIC) judging Junior and Intermediate Riding and Mr Tom Lenihan (QLD) judging Light Harness.

This year marks two significant milestones – the 100 year anniversary of the first Clydesdale Championship and the 80 year anniversary of the prestigious Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout.

To celebrate the centenary year of Clydesdale Champions at the Royal Melbourne Show, judging of the Led Clydesdale competition will be held indoors for the first time on Saturday, 27 September.

The 80^th Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout, one of Australia’s most prestigious showing events for female riders, will feature at the Royal Melbourne Show on Wednesday, 24 September and offers more than $8,500 in prize money and trophies.

RASV CEO Mark O’Sullivan said “The RASV is committed to enhancing the event experience each year for competitors who participate in the Horses in Action program.

“To reflect this commitment, the RASV is engaging a panel of highly experienced and respected judges from interstate and overseas to preside over the competition, introducing exciting classes and improving the arrival and departure process for competitors,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

The 2014 Horses in Action program will introduce a Champion Child’s classes for each height and a Hunt Club Relay event, where two teams of three riders will race over identical jumps courses.

Popular Horses in Action program events include the World Cup Jumping qualifier on Sunday, 28 September offering $10,000 in prize money and the Shetland Steeplechase presented by E-Cycle Solutions and the Australian Jumps Racing Association, held on various nights throughout the 2014 Royal Melbourne Show.

Entries close on Friday, 6 June, with entries to Showjumping and Exhibition Eventing open until Friday, 27 June and Hunting until Monday, 11 August. 

 For more information, contact Jaci Hoysted of the RASV on 03 9281 7469 or jaci.hoysted@rasv.com.au.

Quick Links

• To enter the Horses in Action program visit www.rasv.com.au/horses
• Show horses for sale on Horsezone