14th Annual VAS Ltd Convention- June 30th - July 2nd

The VAS Ltd Annual Convention will be hosted by the Goulburn Valley & Riverina Shows Association.  It will be held at the Shepparton Harness Racing Complex Friday 30th June for early bird registrations and a welcome dinner. 

Saturday 1st of July brings many things to the table.  Jam and Sauce entries to be submitted by 9am.  Entries for the  decorated bra's /jocks competition open until Saturday evening.  There is no cost to enter but if you'd like to vote on your favorite decorated bra or jocks it will cost you $1 per vote.  All monies raised will be donated to breast cancer and prostate cancer research.  Vote as many times as you like, it's going to a good cause that has no doubt touched us all somehow.  Prizes will be awarded for most popular in both sections.

There will be a NLIS workshop on the transition package available for show societies during the afternoon and free time to make your own decorated bra or jocks for the competition.

The Convention Dinner will be the stage for the Junior Ambassador Awards State Final presentation.  Lyndall Horne is the guest speaker for the evening bringing you her breast cancer survival story.  It's sure to be a jam packed night with the announcement of the jam and sauce competition winners. 

Sunday is more relaxed with 3 workshops being held.  Firstly Insurance and OHS presented by Bronia Henty Smith from JLT.  Secondly, Organising and conducting your meeting successfully. Finally, stewards and volunteers, a guide to running your section successfully.

Most popular bra and jocks winner will be announced on closing around midday.

Calling all "Miss Show Girl" past entrants

2017 marks 60 years since the introduction of Sun-News Pictorial Miss Show Girl Competition in Victoria. Introduced in 1957, the event was open to girls aged between 16 – 25.In order to find a winner, most Victorian country shows ran a qualifying heat with each local winner eligible for the final, which was judged at the Royal Melbourne Show. The competition evolved over time and reflecting social change, was eventually replaced by competitions inclusive of females and males.

RASV Heritage is preparing an exhibition on Miss Show Girl to mark the anniversary and would love to hear from any contestants involved in the competition over the years.

Please contact: Dr Annette Shiell, Heritage Curator Email: annette.shiell@rasv.com.au Tel: (03) 9281 7427

VAS Ltd Board Bulletin March 2017

Find out the latest news and events that have occurred the past few months involving VAS.

New Helmet Rulings phasing in over 12 months for VAS Ltd Competitions

We are receiving many enquiries with regards to the new Helmet regulations brought in January 1st 2017.  VAS Ltd follow Equestrian Australia's rules to maximise safety in the sport with riders competing in VAS Ltd competitions must be wearing an approved helmet with the chin strap fastened at all times.

VAS Ltd will be phasing in the new rules over the next 12 months.  Remember EN1384 standard helmets are no longer approved by EA but if your helmet ALSO has the PAS015, ASTM F1163, AS/NZS 3838, ARB HS 2012, SNELL E2001, VGI it is approved to be used and will not need to be replaced.  For VAS Ltd Competitions during 2017 the EN1384 helmet is still approved.

To see the EA helmet regulations please follow this link. http://www.equestrian.org.au/news/helmet-regulations-updated

2017-2018 Show Season Theme - Food comes from Farms

The 2017 2018 Show Season has the theme 'Food comes from Farms' so go ahead and brainstorm ideas for your upcoming shows to take on that feel.  It's quite broad so your imagination can go wild.  From milk, eggs, cakes, cheese, pumpkins, carrots, apples,  crops, grain, beef, lamb there is no discrimination between food sources, all bases can be covered if you just put your mind to it. 

Encourage local schools to get involved and come up with ideas, what a great way to gather up some enthusiasm between the kids and promote your local show. 

2017 VAS Ltd Saddle Horse Results

Did you miss out on watching a class or couldn't make it on the day?  Do you want to see who won?  Click on below photo to access the 2017 Championship Results pages. 

VAS Saddle Horse Championships a huge success

The VAS Ltd Saddle Horse Championships was a successful weekend for all involved.  The number of horses attending was impressive as competitors tried to keep cool in the warm conditions.  The programme of classes was judged by 2 judges from Western Australia, 1 from South Australia, 1 from New South Wales and 1 from Victoria which gave a broad range of scope and experience.

Saturday brought the Off The Track State Final in the evening which proved to be very popular with both spectators and competitors.  The warm weather didn't deter them as they worked out for the coveted title of State Final Winner with the opportunity to represent Victoria at the prestigious Nationals.  The prize money of $1000 went to retired racehorse Excellingly ridden by Sarah McMaster. 

Sarah McMaster and Excellingly ride into history claiming the State Title for Off The Track

Sunday brought a much more humid day but that didn't stop the huge number of horses trying their hardest to win the red, white and blue ribbons and the sought after garlands. 

A highlight for Sunday was the inaugural Standardbred classes showcased by the Alabar HERO program Final.  This was the first year for the HERO series which has been well attended throughout the agricultural shows this year.  A total of 26 horses qualified for the event so it was a fantastic show of old favorites.  With the rehoming and educating of retired race horses gaining popularity show societies will no doubt jump on board and provide this class for its competitors which encourages another breed to get out there and show the world just what it has to offer.

Eboni Knights and Equity Wizzbang (affectionately known as Maxwell Smart) made history as the first winners to don the colorful garland, ribbon and rug as well as taking home a $1000 cheque.  Eboni stated that she's had Max for 8 years, he couldn't canter and she couldn't ride so they have certainly come a long way from then.   

Eboni Knights and Equity Wizzbang take home $1000 and the title of Winner of the HERO Final

VAS Ltd Dairy Cattle State Finals held at International Dairy Week

Tatura Park is hosting International Dairy week once again.  The State Finals for the Dairy Judging and Parading took place Sunday January 15th.  The 2 Victorian representatives this year at the National Finals are Cally O'Shannassy and Renee Anderson. 

Dairy Parader results are as follows -

1st - Renee Anderson          2nd - Lora Schulz     3rd - Zali Deenan

L - R Zali Deenan, Lora Schulz & Renee Anderson.  Winners of the State Final of the VAS Ltd Dairy Paraders Competition.

Dairy Judging results are as follows -

1st - Cally O'Shannassy    2nd - Tamara Loughridge    3rd - Rachel Dickson   4th - Karl Munden

L - R Cally o'shannassy, tamara loughridge, Rachel Dickson & karl munden.  winners of the state final of the vas ltd dairy judging competition.

Pryde's EasiFeed - Proud Sponsors of the Pryde's Easifeed Saddle Horse Championships

VAS Ltd would like to thank their major sponsor's Pryde's Easifeed for their continued support during the Saddle Horse Championships.  Visit their website for a thorough look at the amazing products they have to offer.

Junior Beef & Dairy Parader Competition Regulations

With the Spring Show season well under way make sure you know the'new' regulations as of 2nd July 2016 if you are thinking of Parading Beef or Dairy Cattle.  These are -

• Age of Parader must be 8 years & over as of the day of the show.
• Parader must be attired in suitable clothing including solid shoes or boots.
• Handler to lead a heifer only under 2 years (as of the day of the Show).
• Handlers Animal must be eligible for breed registration with their respective breed Society or entered in an ordinary class with details of exhibit on the respective Show/event entry form for insurance purposes.
• The judge may ask the Parader to swap animals if required.
• Adult or Steward assistance is acceptable for Parader under 12 years. (Preferred that parents or siblings are not the assistance)
• Competitions can be split into several age groups depending on the number of entries and level of experience.
• Parader Competitions are conducted under the FCAS & VAS Ltd regulations and National final competitors must be over 15 years of age at the time of the State final and reside within Victoria.