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Willinga Park features world-class arenas that are designed with spectators in mind.

A new era for equestrian venues in Australia?

“There are a handful of world-class venues in Australia, and Willinga Park is one of them.” - Brett Parbery.

When talk turns to prestige equestrian venues, we often picture the expansive facilities in Europe and America. Generally speaking, Australian equestrian venues aren’t the first that come to mind.

Fortunately, the winds of change are upon us.

Arguably one of most unique and advanced equestrian venues in Australia, Willinga Park is committed to championing horse sports in this country. This extensive venue features revolutionary Ebb and Flow arena surfaces, extensive stabling, spectator facilities and much more; owners and visionaries Terry and Ginette Snow have left no stone unturned.
 

The architecturally designed stables.
 

Recently, there has been a ripple effect that has seen a number of other venues make improvements. Arena refurbishments are underway at Wallaby Hill Farm in the Southern Highlands, with the installation of Ebb and Flow surfaces in two arenas, and plans are underway for the same at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) in northern NSW. 

Currently in Australia, many equestrian activities take place at showgrounds, public sporting parks and private properties with limited infrastructure, and so mainly cater for amateur / hobbyist competitors. This is fine in many ways, and the positive is this keeps the sport accessible for everyone. However, it is common that these facilities are run and organised by volunteers and they are often limited financially by small government grants — meaning maintenance and improvements are slow and inadequate in terms of elite level competition. 

The property features award-winning architecture.

Until now, few Australian facilities have been at a standard considered appropriate for elite training and competition — a standard that should be expected for Olympic athletes and professionals. Australia is trailing far behind Europe and America in this regard, which is crippling Australia’s success on the world stage. However, with the venues mentioned above, along with Boneo Park Equestrian Centre on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, the bar has been lifted and there is hope that soon competitions in Australia will be able to match the quality of what can be found overseas. 

Fiona Selby of Boneo Park explains that when she is deciding where to compete, she looks at the quality of the venue — in particular the surfaces. “It is also important to support another CDI on our event calendar, as I know the huge costs involved in running these events for the organisers. It's important that we as riders show our support so we continue to have these high quality events in Australia,” says Fiona.

More than just equestrian facilities, the property features beautiful gardens - complete with sculptures!

A number of top dressage riders are set to compete at Willinga Park’s first CDI, Capricorn Australia ‘Dressage by the Sea’ (September 29 - October 1) — including Brett Parbery. Brett, who will compete in the Grand Prix CDI2* with both DP Weltmieser and PPH Zeppelin, cannot speak highly enough of the venue, explaining that it’s “absolutely first class.”

“There are not enough words to describe it. There’s a handful of world-class venues in Australia, and Willinga Park is one of them,” he says, “The property just looks sensational… it’s improved further since the Open Day. I’m just really looking forward to seeing the looks on the faces of my dressage colleagues when they arrive. The experiences they will walk away with… it’s an absolute treat!”

The main outdoor arena at dusk. 

BUY TICKETS TO CAPRICORN AUSTRALIA ‘DRESSAGE BY THE SEA’ HERE

What’s the key to Willinga Park’s world-class surfaces?

No matter what discipline you prefer, there is nothing like riding on a good arena surface!

Willinga Park chose Ebb and Flow surfaces for a reason — they’re superior systems that cater to a wide variety of horse sports. Installed at Willinga Park by Capricorn Australia, this surface is very much connected with the ocean: both work on the principle of high and low tide.

Willinga Park offers world-class facilities.

When we walk on the beach, we walk where it’s most comfortable… this is usually close to where the ocean rolls in. The further we walk from the ocean (towards the sand dunes) the looser the sand becomes and the effort we have to put into our walking is increased. To explain how the Ebb and Flow system works, picture yourself digging a hole at the beach — when the hole begins to fill with water you’ve reached sea level. An Ebb & Flow arena works on the same principle: the small balance tank next to the arena regulates the water level and determines the water level in the sand. As a consequence of adjusting this water level, the composition and firmness of the sand is altered.

The arenas feature high-tech Ebb & Flow surfaces.

Capricorn Australia ‘Dressage by the Sea’ at Willinga Park is the first CDI held on Ebb & Flow arenas in Australia. It’s a surface that needs to be seen and ridden on to be believed — no doubt competitors at the CDI will appreciate it!
 

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