FOLLOWING the success of the inaugural Farm World Equestrian Expo, planning is underway to build the event in the future.
Farm World provided a spectacular backdrop for the dressage and show jumping competitions as well as many equestrian master classes.
Held on a large purpose-built arena provided by the Baw Baw Equestrian Centre, the expo also showcased local equestrian businesses and services.
The expo enjoyed a fantastic atmosphere, with large crowds lining the banks of the arena to watch some of Victoria’s best show jumpers battle it out for the inaugural Farm World Cup.
Brook Dobbin from Yarra Glen brought a large team of horses to the show, chasing the major prize money that was on offer.
Riding his imported gelding Silvo, Dobbin jumped the only clean round over the tough 1.40m track built by course designer Gavin Chester to win the Pakenham Produce and Saddlery sponsored Farm World Cup.
Dobbin also finished in third place riding Carrado MVNZ, while Zoe Boulton riding Valcheta finished in second place with just one time penalty.
The time on course proved to be the enemy of quite a few riders in the class, with many incurring time faults.
Angela Dobbin riding Yarra Valley Jelly Bean won the 1.30m Future Stars, jumping two fast clear rounds from Paul Brent riding Cavalli Park Alliya.
Brent won the Yarragon Rural Supplies Mini Prix riding CP Alliya from Russell Johnstone and Borealis Centurion.
Rose Prosnik riding LH Warsaw won the overall amateur title while Jess Grant from Arthur’s Creek was named most successful junior rider.
The 1.30m Young Rider class was won by Melissa Backman from Maffra riding Blackall Park Coloe from Paige Cartright and Kitara Boizel.
The dressage was also a huge success, with local rider Ann-Katrin Fischer winning the award for the highest score overall in the official EA dressage, and Lainey Sandford in the HRCAV dressage.
Positive feedback was received from competitors, with many commenting that they will be back next year as the show was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The master classes were a hit with the crowds, with about 300 spectators enjoying a great show jumping demo from Adam Wootten who trained in US, with George Morris and his head rider Taylah Lambert.
The Mounted Games Victoria had the crowds cheering as they demonstrated their skills.
Nicole Magoffin, Queensland Grand Prix rider, has recruited several new Victorian pupils as a result of her informative and interesting dressage masterclass.
Four to the Floor frontman Dan Maloney entertained a large crowd with his display of natural horsemanship.
Master class displays also included long reining demos, dentistry, saddle fitting, rider fitness, and Western horsemanship and all were well received by the crowd.
The trade stall holders reported strong sales from the large crowd in attendance throughout the four days.
The Equestrian Expo was proudly supported by sponsors Pakenham Isuzu Ute and Gippsland Isuzu Ute.
