2026 Saddle Horse Championships Date & Venue Announcement

The Saddle Horse Committee is excited to announce the 2026 Championships will be held on the 3rd & 4th January 2026.

In regards to the venue the committee wanted to keep the event as affordable as possible for competitors as well as central for travel. Multiple venues were considered including venue inspections. The committee have taken the opportunity to present the Championships in a different way as well as holding the first Show Horse Competition at this venue. The Championships will be held at the Bendigo Racecourse, Heinz Street, White Hills.

Unfortunately, there is no stabling or camping at the Racecourse but the Bendigo Showgrounds will be available for stabling and camping as per the usual arrangement. Bookings can be made when entries open. It is an 8 minute drive between the showgrounds & racecourse. Portable stables were considered for the racecourse but this was not going to be an affordable exercise. Exhibitors in the past have made contact with local trainers in the area and have been able to stable horses in their facilities so this might be an option for you to consider.

The racecourse offers a great big watered green surface that will be used for the rings and the parade ring will be used to feature our led events including fashions. Plenty of parking with shade trees is available along with wash down bays and race day stalls will be available.

We understand this is a big change but as mentioned earlier it is exciting to present the championships in a new and exciting way. Our major sponsors have supported the change and are also excited to see the event take place at this venue.

The schedule is being prepared and qualification requirements will be available on the website as of tomorrow.

For those that may not know why we have to relocate the event it is due to the Bendigo Showgrounds undergoing redevelopment at the time of the event. The oval will be redone with the sandtrack removed and the fence will be moved into the permitter of the grass area. The green space as it is now will remain the same size. It will be resurfaced and levelled as the arena has quite a fall on it that some may not notice. With the removal of the track this will open up more space for parking. Stables will not be changed in this redevelopment.

Please note: We ask that comments are made respectfully and ask that any feedback that you may want to provide is provided via email eo@vicagshows.com.au