The Maryborough Active Riders Club (MARC) is a not for profit equestrian club who hold various events throughout the year to enable their members and outside participants from the Fraser Coast Region to compete, improve riding abilities and enjoy common horse related passions. One of the premier events being held by MARC this year is the Fraser Coast All Breeds Show which is on the 7th and 8th of October 2017. This show is a two day event which is held at the Maryborough Showgrounds and Equestrian Park. This event is growing rapidly each year and attracts a great number of competitors and spectators from all around the Fraser Coast, across Queensland and interstate. Celebrating all horse breeds big and small – this year there will be over 250 halter and saddle classes, an Australian Stock Horse feature show, challenges, full showhorse and hunter program, youngstock, futurity classes, beginner events and junior and senior rider classes.
Some of the beautiful horse breeds that will be on show this year include Arabians, Quarter horses, Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, Welsh ponies, Baroque breeds and Miniature ponies. So much time is dedicated to these horses ensuring they are ready for competition and they are a credit to the owners who present them. This year we have beginner classes which have been incorporated into the program to encourage less experienced competitors and horses, particularly children to come along and have a go. We all have to start somewhere and it’s just beautiful to see the mums and dads bringing the young ones out on a lead line into the ring. Ribbons go to 6th for all classes and we ensure that all beginners receive a ribbon for their efforts.
A great thanks goes out to the major sponsors of the show including the Fraser Coast Regional Council and the Australia Stock Horse Society East Moreton Branch. Without the support of the sponsors MARC would not be able to run such a successful event. This year there is generous prize money for competitors, trophy rugs, and beautiful garlands will be awarded to winners of supreme classes and heaps of prizes will be given out throughout the event.
The Australian Stock Horse feature show will be held on Saturday the 7th of October in the centre ring with accredited judges and will be showcasing some of Queensland’s finest Australian Stock Horses. The Australian Stock Horse is an iconic symbol of Australia’s heritage. The roots of the Australian Stock Horse date back to the earliest importation of nine horses to Australia, with the arrival of the First Fleet in Botany Bay in January 1788. Formal recognition of the Australian Stock Horse as a distinct breed began in 1971 when over 100 campdrafters and horse breeders met in Tamworth, New South Wales to form the Australian Stock Horse Society. The Australian Stock Horse is bred for its intelligence, courage, strength and athletic ability. These days the Australian Stock Horse is one of the most versatile horse breeds used in various disciplines including polocrosse, dressage, campdrafting, show jumping, eventing and endurance.
This year there will be numerous trade stalls at the event showcasing equestrian merchandise including clothing, nutrition products, fencing solutions and tack. The event is fully catered with food vans selling sandwiches, hot food, drinks and ice-creams. It’s free to come as a spectator so we encourage anyone who likes horses or has an interest in horses to come to the Fraser Coast All Breeds show. The aim of the MARC show horse committee is for the Fraser Coast All Breeds Show to grow into one of the biggest ‘all breed’ horse events held in Queensland.
If you would like any further information about the event please visit the webpage www.maryboroughactiveriders.org.au
Written by Cate Puschmann
