What's New?
Highlights and important information
The Melbourne Royal Horses in Action Competition welcomes exhibitors to compete against some of the finest horses and riders in the country. With the introduction of new and improved classes to complement the distinguished favourites, this is a Melbourne Royal Show not to be missed.
89th Anniversary Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout
The coveted Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout will celebrate its 89th year in 2023. Australia’s most prestigious event honouring Garryowen who tragically died in a stable fire in 1934 and Violet Murrell who at 29 died bravely trying to save her beloved Garryowen. This event which is so rich in history, honors them both and stands above all others in prestige and competition. The Garryowen will once again take pride and place at this year’s Melbourne Royal Show. Thank you to our very generous sponsors and in celebration of the 89th anniversary, the total prize pool this year is our biggest ever with over $11,000 on offer.
Show Jumping
A true test of athleticism and skill as riders and horses tackle a world-class, all new, jumping course in 2023. Australia’s best showjumping riders and horses battle it out to win the 2023 Melbourne Royal® Prince of Wales Cup. The 2023 Prince of Wales Cup will be an acknowledgement to ‘The Flying Dutchman’, Art Uytendaal. From 1956 to 1990, Art’s list of wins numbered in the thousands in Australia. Art was a regular and much respected and admired competitor at Melbourne Royal.
The Alice Laidlaw trophy
To be held on Thursday September 21, The Alice Laidlaw Trophy is now in its 74th year, and is presented to the Best Lady Rider over jumps. (18 years and over. Maximum height is 1.3m.)
Highlighted Classes
- Best Novice Show Hunter Pony 12.2h & under
- Best Novice Show Hunter Pony 12.2h & under 14hands
- Novice Riding Classes – all ages
- Best Novice Riders
- Intermediate Riding Classes – Changes to Age Groups
- Special Garryowen prize, sponsored by County Saddlery Australia.
- Simon Nixon Champion Open Small Hack
- Mac Greaves Champion Open Large Hack
- Open Hacks – Pope Cup – For Thoroughbreds Only
- Gorst Champion Show Hunter Small Hack
- John Lithgow Champion Show Hunter Large Hack
Height certificates and microchipping
Both Show Horse Council National Height Certificates & Equestrian Australia (EA) Measuring Cards will be accepted at 2023 Show. The next combined measuring day is scheduled for Saturday 19th August 2023 at WPNEC. Horses can also be measured at the Show.
All horses entered in the 2023 Royal Melbourne Show are to be microchipped. Please ensure your horse is microchipped prior to nominating.
Judging Program
e Horses in Action program will commence on Thursday September 21st, the official opening of the Melbourne Royal Show, and will provide 11 days of non-stop action on the Main Arena. Show Jumping, Clydesdales, Heavy and Light Harness Classes will compete on the first four days of Show. They will be followed by Junior Riders and Ponies for two days, Stock Horses and Hunting for an action-packed Wednesday September 27, followed by four days of Saddle Horses. The prestigious Garryowen will take place on Friday September 29, 2023. The Competition will conclude with Sporting Horses on the afternoon of Sunday October 01.
Show Jumping: September 21-24
Led Clydesdales: September 21
Heavy and Light Harness, Tradesman & Delivery Classes: September 21 - 24
Prince of Wales Cup Show Jumping: September 24
Australian Stock Horses: September 27th
Hunting Horses: September 27th
Intermediate/Senior Riding Events: September 28
Saddle Classes for Horses over 14 Hands: September 28 to October 01.
Turnouts: September 29
Sporting Horses Australian Championships: October 01