Madison Simpson gallops LV Elf in front of Werribee Mansion at MI3DE this year.

© Michelle Terlato Photography

Equestrian Victoria is very happy to publish the final State Equestrian Facilities Plan for our members and the wider equestrian community.

The Plan was supported by Sport and Recreation Victoria and is based on extensive research and surveying undertaken across the Victorian equestrian community. From the research, the following participation trends in Victoria were evident:

    •    Most organisations have experienced growth in participation in recent years
    •    Most growth is occurring among females and youth
    •    There is significant growth in inter-school competitions
    •    There is an increase in demand for entry-level competitions

The Plan identifies the following key recommendations:

1. Retain and upgrade Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre as the State Centre for equestrian sport in Victoria.

2. Liaise with Sport and Recreation Victoria to emphasise the importance of, and seek funding for, the preparation of a master plan for the redevelopment of Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre.

3. The Master Plan should:

• Confirm key development elements (refer Recommendation 2.1)

?• Identify capital cost estimates

?• Confirm staging priorities

?• Identify a funding strategy

4. Seek external funding for the upgrading of Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre in accordance with the endorsed Master Plan.

5. Establish or upgrade a venue in Gippsland and Barwon South West regions capable of conducting regional competitions in order to address gaps in facility provision for dressage.

6. For the disciplines with largest participation numbers (dressage, show jumping, eventing and show horse) identify a facility in each that is capable of staging high level or high participation events and meets desired standards.

7. For each of the smaller participation disciplines, identify at least one venue in the state that is capable of meeting the requirements for high-level events.

Equestrian Victoria is now working closely with Sport and Recreation Victoria to develop a Master Plan for Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre.

Read the full reports below:

Summary of market research

State facility plan

Source: Equestrian Victoria (EV) website

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