Fig Tree Pocket arena gets Olympic sized tick of approval

Athens Olympic Eventer, Rebel Morrow, has been the first rider to test out the newly surfaced sand arena at Fig Tree Pocket Equestrian Club. 

Morrow joined with Brisbane City Councillor and member for Walter Taylor Ward Julian Simmonds to officially open the arena on Saturday September 5.

The 120m by 80m arena was resurfaced thanks to a $100,000 Brisbane City Council Community Sports Club Grant. A double-layered base was laid, before the arena was laser-levelled, and a top layer of river sand was applied, offering an international quality surface for a range of equestrian disciplines.

Cr Simmonds said the work is one of a number of Community Sports Grants being offered by council.

“The Lord Mayor and I are dedicated to ensuring that we have top class facilities like this equestrian arena in our suburbs to give local families the chance to enjoy the sports they love,”

“The Fig Tree Pocket Equestrian Club is a wonderful local asset and Council is delighted to provide support for a club that is keeping hundreds of local residents active and healthy,” Cr Simmonds said. 

Club President Lisa Mortlock said “We are very grateful to Brisbane City Council for their support in improving this asset. The grant ensures we have an international quality venue we can be proud of, and it further cements our sustainability into the future.”

“The grounds are used by more than 850 competitors throughout the year, with riders coming from Queensland and even around the various states of Australia to compete here.  

“It is such a unique venue, with the cross country course set along the picturesque Brisbane River, and is approximately 12km from the City Centre, which is fantastic for competitors and spectators alike,” Mrs Mortlock said.

Olympian Rebel Morrow tried out the new surface, jumping one horse and riding dressage with another.

She praised the improvements that have been made to the grounds. “In order to attract Australia’s top riders to compete here, it’s vital we have such a top quality facility. In the last five years I’ve seen some outstanding improvements at the Fig Tree Pocket Equestrian Club. First to the grounds, Cross country course and jumps, and the improvements to the arena is the icing on the cake,” Ms Morrow said.

“I love the thought of Brisbane hosting the 2028 Olympic games and Brisbane City Councils financial commitment to helping sporting clubs like ours, just shows the level of enthusiasm there is out there for grass routes sport, and I thank them for it.

“As both a competitor and coach, it’s wonderful to have such a top quality arena to work with.  And you never know we may just be training Australia’s next Olympic rider here!” Ms Morrow said.

For more information on the club go to www.facebook.com/FigTreePocketEquestrianClub or www.ftpequestrian.org

Fig Tree Pocket Equestrian Club is a member of the Horsezone Club Contribution Scheme! Find out more and join up your club HERE