Are you ready to see some of the best dressage riders saddle up in Benalla?
The Hygain HRCAV Top Teams Trophy Dressage 2023 will be held at the Benalla Sports and Equestrian Centre from November 10 to 12.
The event will see teams converge on Benalla from across Victoria in the hope of getting their hands on the main prize.
One Benalla team knows this feeling well, as the Benalla Showcase team won the 2022 TTT in Elmore.
TTT co-ordinator Melissa Mounsey said it was an exciting opportunity for the Rose City.
“Benalla won it last year, which gave us the right to host it this year,” Mounsey said.
“Well, Benalla actually won it this year because it was postponed because of COVID and then with the floodings back last year, so they had to reschedule to April this year.
“We’ve got 340 competitors, so it’s quite an exciting event. Clubs from all across the state send teams of four to compete for the top team trophy.”
The three-day state competition will feature at least five Benalla teams.
The competition starts at lunchtime on Friday and will go to 6pm. On Saturday, events will run from 9am to 6pm and on Sunday, from 8am to 1pm.
Spectators are more than welcome to watch the proceedings.
Mounsey said horse enthusiasts were in for a treat.
“We will have eight dressage arenas going, and we’ll have all different levels of competition going, from the lower levels to the advanced levels,” she said.
“So all different standards of riders are coming to compete.
“We’ve got an amazing trade village that will be set up with Hygame, Jewel Equestrian, Wangaratta Equine Emporium, Erin’s Equine and Aurum Equestrian.
“So if you wanted to do some early Christmas shopping, you could come out and support these businesses that support our clubs.
“There’ll be a canteen going the whole time, so it’ll be it’ll be a great weekend, and the weather is looking good.”
Mounsey is excited to see the people who have put a great deal of effort into the Benalla setup reap the rewards of their labour.
“It’s really exciting because we’ve been working really hard out at the equestrian centre to continue improving the facilities so we can hold state events like this, so it’s exciting for Benalla and local horse enthusiasts,” she said.
“Anyone is welcome to come down, have a look at the trade village, sit down at the tables and chairs at the canteen set up in the shade of the trees and (see) all the dressage that’s on around.”