The 2027 VAS Ltd Saddle Horse Championships will be on the 9th & 10th January 2027 at the Bendigo Racecourse. Due to such positive feedback from all exhibitors that attended the 2026 Championships the event will once again be held at the Bendigo Racecourse.
The schedule is currently being prepared and judges confirmed and this should be available mid November. Below is the specified qualifications for each section and the rough timetable outline is provided below so you can start planning.
Camping & Stabling will once again be available at the Bendigo Showgrounds to book for the Friday & Saturday nights. No camping will be allowed at the Bendigo Racecourse due to health & safety of competitors & animals.
Sponsorship Opportunities
The Championships aims to support the grass root exhibitors of the Victorian Agricultural Shows Movement and showcase the quality of horses that have competed all year at our agricultural shows. We invite you to consider sponsoring the 2027 Championships. Options are provided by clicking below:
Qualification Requirements
Led Classes, Diamond Debutante, Child’s Mounts, Amateur Owner Rider, Leading Rein & First Ridden Pony: No qualifications required
Rising Star: No qualifications required
First Season: Must have attended and competed under saddle at a minimum of 2 VAS Ltd Affiliated Shows between 1/1/2026 – 14/12/2026
Riding: 1 First Place or 2 Second Places in riding classes at VAS Ltd Affiliated Shows between 1/1/2026 – 14/12/2026
Open: 1 Champion or 2 Reserve Champions, or 2 Open Class wins at a VAS Ltd Agricultural Show between 1/1/2026 – 14/12/2026
Off The Track (Ridden & Led): Must have qualified in the 2026 Calendar Year at a VAS Ltd Affiliated Show in the Off The Track Qualifying Show Level event.
Alabar Hero Series: Must have qualified in the 2026 Calendar Year at a VAS Ltd Affiliated Show in the Alabar Hero Series Qualifying Show Level event.
Good Hands: All competitors are required to have qualified at VAS Ltd Affiliated Shows held between 1/1/2026 – 14/12/2026
Timetabling
Saturday 9th January
All Galloway & Hack Classes including Led, Rising Star, First Season, Diamond Debutante, Amateur Owner Rider, Child’s Mount & Open Finals
Standardbred Classes & Alabar Hero Series
Sunday 10th January
All Pony Classes including Led, Rising Star, First Season, Diamond Debutante, Amateur Owner Rider, Child’s Mount & Open Finals
Good Hands
Rider Classes
Off The Track State Finals including Fashions
Photos Supplied by Lisa Gordon Photography
