Equestrian

Quill. Tuesday's mid-week meeting at Donald and District Race Club was one that reminded me of the perks of my job as the local race reporter; what a glorious day ... There was a buzz of excitement around the grounds with Harry Coffey's win total sitting at 997 prior to the first of his eight races on the day.

The Horse Riding Clubs Association of Victoria (HRCAV) staged its annual awards on 15 November in Melbourne, celebrating standout achievements from the 2024–25 competition season. Among the evening's major honours was the Level 2 Overall Champion Rider award, claimed by Narrandera Adult Riding president and founding member, NSW competitor Erin Anderson and her horse "Adventures of Grand Rock".

Country racing is absolutely vital to the entire racing industry, according to Michael Bailey, and events like the Hay Cup play a role that extends far beyond a single day's entertainment. Bailey, who has spent nearly 40 years working in country racing across multiple clubs, believes rural race meetings are essential to the fabric of regional communities and the future of thoroughbred racing in Australia.

On this week's No Drama Farmer, James fresh off the back of having the number 1 Country Album in Australia (ARIA Charts) we caught up with Owen Catto from the Regional Mens Health Initiative who gives us the 5 top tips for beating depression in the bush.

The Royal Geelong Show continues to offer a gold-standard horse program, presenting a traditional range of classes for every interest over the four-day event. As well as the popular saddle horse section, there are breed, heavy horse, harness and pony club events, plus a district category that makes sure everyone gets to compete and have fun at what is also the “local show” for the area.

Pamela Harrington's smile says it all as the Elders Mt. Wycheproof and District Cup Day unfolded in perfect weather last Saturday. Pamela's black and white ensemble showcased the traditional monochrome colours of Derby Day and later caught the judges' eyes during the Fashions on the Field.

Wycheproof could not have asked for more glorious weather than that which shone upon its Cup Day celebrations on Derby Day in the Country ... The racing surface was pristine! Some said it was the best they’d ever seen it, and rated a good 4, it raced well and looked about as lush as grass could look in the drier conditions of the season.

Sean Cunningham. It's been all hands on deck recently for the Grong Grong Horse Sports (GGHS) group as members throw their energy into reviving the town's old rodeo grounds and plan a busy calendar of events. The grounds are being rejuvenated thanks to the dedication and determination of a small, but passionate group of GGHS volunteers.

Austinn Lane. Maitland showjumper Maddison Wissell has maintained her strong form in the 2025 season, delivering standout performances on the national stage. She competed at the Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships in Sydney at the end of September, placing third and fifth overall in the intermediate 90cm jumping class, riding two different horses. 

From the thunder of The Everest to the tradition of the Melbourne Cup, Thoroughbreds dominate headlines every spring. But beyond the racetrack lies a vast rural industry - one built on land, livestock, and the dedicated care of thousands of regional Australians and New Zealanders. This November, the public is being invited to see that world for themselves.

With the dust now settled on the Royal Adelaide Show for 2025, what stands out when taking a closer look at the winners is the amount of new talent that has progressed quickly to the top of the lineups.

You betcha! Joan Boardman Sinclair recently celebrated her 90th birthday milestone by saddling up and heading bush with packhorse in tow. The acknowledged 'Queen of the High Country', riding in her father's stock saddle, still believes the world is a much better place from the back of a horse.

The Polocrosse Association of South Australia wrapped up a successful week-long coaching clinic and carnival at the Yorke Peninsula Polocrosse Club grounds in Minlaton, culminating in a two-day event over the weekend, October 11-12 ... Fourteen riders took part, travelling from as far as Darwin, Naracoorte and Moorooduc on the other side of Melbourne.

With recent placings in metropolitan feature races under his belt, the stage is set for Belvedere Boys to claim the major prize in the $200,000 Carlton Dry 3.5 per cent Port Macquarie Cup on an outstanding day of racing action at Port on Friday.

A team of 62 heavy horses was harnessed to pull an antique wagon in a record-breaking event at the Barellan Good Old Days Festival at the weekend. It outnumbered the previous Australian record of 50, set in Queensland in the 1980s and a 50-horse hitch in Canada in 1995.

The Cook Government has set new standards to strengthen the health and welfare of horses in Western Australia. The Standards and Guidelines for the Health and Welfare of Horses details the minimum standards and recommended practices to optimise the health and welfare of horses, backed by scientific evidence and industry knowledge.

Experienced event rider Delwyn Ogilvy and her current mount, Walter, are proving that in the sport of equestrian, age is just a number. Walter, a Thoroughbred who raced as Bonny Ezra, only came off-the- track about eight months ago after 56 starts and winning more than $500,000 in prize money.

Soil compaction is quietly limiting pasture productivity and affecting horse health. Thanks to the work of 2022 Nuffield Scholar Adam Williamson, the thoroughbred industry now has practical, evidence-based strategies to address it.

Gunbower Racing Club is taking a big punt on itself – and the payoff would be huge. But more for Gunbower Lions Club and Echuca Regional Health’s Wellbeing Centre, because there’s $50,000 up for grabs as part of the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour National Sweep.

Country race meetings are the heartbeat of regional Australia. Unlike city races where only a small percentage of people attend, country race days see entire towns turn out to support their local event.

A philanthropic gift to Toowoomba's Cobb+Co Museum has helped bring to life a new exhibition honouring the craftsmanship, legacy, and future of saddlery. Garth and Sandra Delbridge alongside The Saddlery exhibition at Cobb+Co Museum.

The world record of a 50-horse hitch set 30 years ago will be broken in Australia at the 2025 Good Old Days Festival at Barellan by the greatest horse teamsters of the modern-day era. Bruce Bandy, Barellan, Steve Johnson, Lake Cargelligo, and Aleks Berzins, Exeter, will combine their Clydesdale, Australian Draught and Suffolk Punch horses to create a mega team of more than 50 horses pulling an historic Bennett wagon ...