If you're a fan of Eventing or have always wanted to check it out, be sure to keep the Queen's Birthday long weekend free (9 - 14 June), for the action packed Melbourne International 3 Day Event (M3DE).  The M3DE has a long and proud history as the proving ground for many of Australia's best Olympic horses and riders - Australia boasts a highly successful Olympic record in eventing. The M3DE is longest running three day event in the Southern Hermisphere and for 54 years has proudly provided eventing riders and horses with first class competition.

Incorporating a great weekend of entertainment this event is a highlight on the Australian eventing riders' calendar. Comprising three phases; dressage, cross country and showjumping, Three Day Eventing is one of the most challenging and exciting equestrian sports. International 3 Day Events are graded according to level of difficulty with stars awarded to indicate the Event’s grading. Melbourne International 3 Day Event is a 3 Star, the second highest grade, only surpassed in difficulty by events such as the Olympic and World Equestrian Games. In 2011 M3DE will host a World Cup Dressage Qualifier, a selection event for the 2012 London Olympics. This will feature Australia's top dressage riders and horses competing for world ranking points and the opportunity for Olympic selection.

Conducted in the beautiful surrounds of Werribee Park Mansion and the National Equestrian Centre, only half an hour from Melbourne, Melbourne 3DE is not to be missed. Spectators are well catered for with the dressage and showjumping phases held indoors at the equestrian centre. The cross country course winds through the State Rose Garden and formal grounds of Werribee Park Mansion. Outdoor hospitality marquees on the Cross Country Course plus an expanded trade village, food court and wine and food show, ensure an eventful weekend for all!

What does the M3DE involve?

Three Day Eventing is one of the most challenging and exciting equestrian sports. Horses and riders complete the competition over three days, each day consisting of a different discipline or phase. Horses and riders must first complete a dressage test demonstrating Obedience and Discipline. In fact, because of the large number of entries for the M3DE, the dressage phase will be conducted over Friday and Saturday.

On Sunday the combinations need to be fit and athletic enough to complete the gruelling cross country course and finally, on Monday, all competitors must jump a course of showjumps designed to test their agility and accuracy at speed.

Quick Links

• Melbourne International 3 Day Event website
• Buy tickets via ticketek
• Eventing Horses for Sale on Horsezone