Watch the Masters in action at Werribee Park on the Long Weekend: 25 – 27 April 2014

The Equestrian Victoria (EV) Masters Games has attracted a record breaking 220 riders aged thirty and above to its annual competition atWerribee Park National Equestrian Centre (WPNEC) from Friday, 25 to Sunday, 27 April 2014. 

In a event designed for riders of all abilities aged thirty and over, an incredible 40 per cent of competitors are aged 50 plus; with a further 34 per cent aged 40-49 and 26 per cent aged between 30-39.

Competition classes include Showjumping, Show Horse, Carriage Driving, Pas de Deux and Dressage, with two Off the Track’ Thoroughbred Led and Thoroughbred Ridden classes.

It is the first year the EV Masters Games will showcase a Pas de Deux championship – a competitive Dressage performance by two horses and their riders to music – where to add an additional flourish riders will don fancy dress.

The Carriage Driving Two Ring Show Program will give crowds the unique opportunity to see Victoria’s finest historical carriages in action, with many of them having appeared in movies including Phar Lap, Ned Kelly, Burke and Wills and Australia.

For those looking for high-octane action, the Cones Driving Challenge will see competitors line up in the latest carriage designs built for speed and precision to weave in and out of a complex course. To win they must get the best combined time and point score, and with some of Victoria’s top drivers in the running it is set to be a heated contest.

Equestrian Victoria CEO, Greg Pratt anticipates a fun filled weekend for all the family that combines competition and entertainment in the stunning surrounds of Werribee Park.

“This event is unique in our calendar and celebrates riders who have come late to the sport, returned to it after a long break, or who simply want to keep on competing. 

“We are delighted by the uptake this year and are looking forward to watching the masters at work in our Showjumping, Show Horse, Carriage Driving, Pas de Deux and Dressage classes and displays this weekend,” said Mr. Pratt.

Entry to the event is free for the whole family and there will be delicious hot snacks and sweet treats available from local vendors to enjoy. The family pooch can also go in for a pamper experience to get their coats gleaming.  

There are two ticketed events on Saturday, 26 April, the ‘Masters Breakfast’ and the ‘Masters Carvery Dinner’. The breakfast features a talk by Off the Track on its role in retraining retired racehorses and the dinner ticket includes a host of evening entertainment including a live band.  

For more information and to book tickets to the ‘Masters Breakfast’ and ‘Masters Carvery Dinner’ visit the EV Masters Games website.

To join in the conversation online use #EVMasters; like the EV Masters Games event page on Facebook; and follow @EquestrianVic on Twitter.

Event Highlights: 

Friday, 25 April 

7:30am – 8:30am EV Masters Breakfast featuring a talk by Off the Track on its role in retraining retired racehorses 

10:00am – 4:00pm Combined Training classes 

Saturday, 26 April 

8:00am – 5:00pm Showjumping classes 

8:30am – 4:30pm Dressage 

10:00am – 4:30pm Carriage Driving (including a Two Ring Show Program, Two Reinsmanship Classes, a Cones Driving Challenge and Gamblers Choice Cone Driving) 

5:30pm – 8:00pm Pas de Deux and a Carriage Driving display 

6:30pm – 9:00pm Masters Carvery Dinner 

Sunday, 27 April

8:30am – 5:00pm Show Ring Led Section, Show Ring Ridden Section and Standardbred Classes