The Naracoorte Horse Trials are a favourite for Australian Olympic rider Megan Jones.

© Manning Photography

The going is always good at Naracoorte

By Adele Severs

It’s possibly the world’s longest continuously running event held on the same site, however that’s not Naracoorte Horse Trials’ only claim to fame. Its cross-country course designer, Wayne Copping, is a local legend whose expertise is world-class.

Meandering through towering old red gums across picturesque farmland, Naracoorte Horse Trials’ cross country course — and its rich history — make the unique event a must-attend for those in south-eastern Australia. What started in 1975 as a junior three-day event has since continued to run for 46 consecutive years, all the while being held at the same property, Strathyre, with the same landowners.

Nowadays the dressage and showjumping are held at the Naracoorte Polocrosse ground, which is about 10km from Naracoorte at Hynam, with competitors making the short drive up the road on the final day to complete the cross country phase before heading home.

The cross country course is renowned for its big timber, technical tests and open galloping — and it’s designed and built by one of the best in the business. Wayne Copping — who was the course designer for the Australian International Three-Day Event in Adelaide for eight years and who has also designed courses internationally — is passionate about the event and has been involved on and off since its inception.

Read the full article here in the April issue of Equestrian Life!