Sheer determination and the incredible generosity of volunteers and sponsors have ensured the 2026 Canberra International Horse Trials will run from 20-22 March, with 318 horse and rider combinations keen to start competition on Friday morning.
In early February, Equestrian Park in Curtin sustained massive flood damage following a torrential storm. It set a colossal challenge for the stoic and determined event committee. They had a fleeting moment of doubt: should they cancel the FEI event that was only six weeks away? It seemed an insurmountable challenge to rebuild a large portion of their cross country course and two dressage sand arenas in time for the March event.
Event organiser and National Capital Horse Trials Association president, Kate Mackenzie, together with cross country course designer Grant Johnston, alongside the club and event committee, were determined to give the rebuild a crack and save the event. Its early placement in the FEI calendar and subsequent importance for those aiming for Adelaide Equestrian Festival in April could not be ignored.
A shout-out to the broader equestrian community, sponsors and local equestrian clubs activated a fantastic response and an army of amazing volunteers stepped up and gave their all. It was a massive clean up before the rebuild could even start. Debris and suburban rubbish were strewn across the park, while jumps were found in trees, down the creek, and hung up in fences amongst the flood rubbish.
The work list was daunting: cross country jumps to rebuild, creek crossings and the water complex to repair and secure footing restored – all huge jobs. Some of the tracks and courses were redesigned, while jumps were recycled or remodelled. Grant Johnston, ably assisted by the amazing team of Wayne Humphries and Simon Heritage, together with juniors D’Arcy and Nicolas, spent countless hours rebuilding and resetting fences.
The Asset Construction Hire bobcat was invaluable sorting out the footing at the water complex and creek crossings. Steve Boyd from the ACT Dressage Association set about getting tenders to repair the dressage sand arenas and worked tirelessly to get them competition ready.
The silver lining from the storm and follow up rain: fantastic going and emerald green grass!
Many willing hands, plus gallons of paint and stain, have ensured the fences are beautifully presented. The final decorating, flagging and numbering, and endless mowing has followed.
The venue is now looking brilliant, thanks to this massive effort and it is ready to welcome competitors for three days of international eventing – with classes ranging from EvA 65cm to CCI4*S. This year’s program also includes a CCI2*L for the first time. Olympians and future stars, grass roots riders and juniors are welcome at this event!
Rich history
Olympian Shane Rose rides Holy Moses in the Asset Construction Hire CCI4*S feature class and hopes to take line honours 30 years on from his win at the inaugural Canberra event at Equestrian Park 1996 when he rode Dudley Serious in the Advanced section! Several other competitors at this event also rode in the 1996 event, and current cross country course designer Grant was the course designer in 1996 under the supervision of Wayne Roycroft.
Competition starts Friday
Competition kicks off Friday 20March at 10am AEDT. The dressage phase runs Friday and Saturday, with cross count and showjumping across the Saturday and Sunday.
Canberra International Horse Trials is free entry and fun for all the family – and the event committee is super friendly! Come and enjoy a weekend of top-class eventing in the nation’s capital, and watch the horses and riders gallop across the spectacular Equestrian Park.
Draws and event information for Canberra International Horse Trails can be found here.
Plenty to see in Canberra
For non-horsey family members, there is plenty nearby: the Canberra Balloon Spectacular is on each morning, the ‘Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius’ is happening next to Old Parliament House, and Canberra Comedy Festival is currently running. Canberra has wonderful multicultural restaurants and cafes, and the surrounding region hosts multiple wineries.
