The fight to save the Clarendon dressage facility in New South Wales has suffered a setback, with the Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association (HDAA) rejecting Equestrian NSW’s proposal to preserve the Clarendon dressage grounds.
The proposal, rejected earlier this month, called for the grounds to remain available for use by local clubs, high-performance squads, and general hire.
Until November last year, Dressage NSW held a licence agreement with the HDAA that allowed use of the dressage arenas located within the Hawkesbury Showgrounds. The Showgrounds are leased from the Crown (public ownership) by the HDAA.
When Dressage NSW’s licence expired in 2024, the HDAA chose not to renew it. Instead, the Association plans to demolish the existing arenas — at the expense of Dressage NSW — and convert the site into a car park for commercial events at the Showgrounds.
Following a meeting with council on Tuesday, Equestrian NSW provided an update confirming that Hawkesbury Council has voted against supporting ongoing discussions to keep the arenas for equestrian use.
“Despite strong community advocacy, Hawkesbury Council has voted against supporting continuing discussions to save the Clarendon Dressage Arenas,” announced Equestrian NSW on Wednesday.
“Equestrian NSW and Equestrian Australia continue to work to preserve these vital community facilities at the Ministerial level, as demolition of the arenas requires the Minister’s approval. These are not just sand arenas — they are essential infrastructure for our sport and future generations, just as they have been in the past.”
The home of dressage for more than 35 years
The first competition at Clarendon took place in May 1987, finally giving dressage a permanent home in NSW. Since then, the venue has hosted countless events at all levels — including the selection trials for the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
In July last year, a small group of equestrians committed to protecting the sport’s future launched the Save Clarendon campaign. Their efforts resulted in a petition signed by more than 3,000 equestrians.
Although historically Clarendon was for the exclusive use of Dressage NSW, the Save Clarendon group sees enormous potential for the grounds to be opened to the wider equestrian community. Their vision is for Clarendon to become a hub for all equestrian sports and activities requiring quality arenas and supporting infrastructure — and this vison was reflected in Equestrian NSW’s recent proposal.
Clarendon has been the home of dressage in NSW for more than 35 years. Image supplied.
“To achieve sporting prowess in any sport, you need good facilities…”
In the September 2024 issue of Equestrian Life, Roger Fitzhardinge reflected on Clarendon’s history, its development, its current infrastructure — and its importance to Australian dressage.
“To achieve sporting prowess in any sport, you need good facilities and training and competition venues, as this is where the hard work is done in preparing for any competitive sport,” Roger said. “Funding for dressage is minimal at all levels, as is the prize money from competition. Facilities are built through passionate people within the sport rallying together to advance recognition by providing welcoming, high-quality grounds.”
