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Driving down K Road towards the green spaces of Werribee
Park brings feelings of anticipation, flags are
flapping, tents and ring markers dot the polo fields,
the sun is shining and that’s a guarantee as it has
NEVER rained on Barastoc in 41 years... Turning in the
gate on the left side people are already setting up
camp, and horses gaze from the yards, interested in the
new arrivals. Unloading and setting up takes time
because of the passing “Hi how are you!” from others who
are just beginning to work their horses. It’s all part
of the event referred to as the Greatest Show on Turf,
simply known as “Barastoc”.
It’s more than a show, it’s the biggest and most forward
thinking event of it’s kind, it’s a show person’s
holiday as well, with the chance to sit and camp with
friends in the warm dark of night, and to wake up in the
morning to the clip clop of hoofs and to see in the
early light, silken tails swishing as the riders head
out for a last minute warm up. Yes, the competition is
fierce, and every competitor wants to have his or her
precious horse own the highest title of Barastoc Horse
of the Year, but the organizing committee is very well
aware that the competition world is made up of many
layers, the small number of absolutely elite
competitors, and the far wider base of riders who love
their horses and love to compete.
Because of this we have had the chance over the years of
seeing classes designed for young horses, classes for
those owners who look after, feed and train their own
horse, the show hunter classes came from this show, and
for the younger lot, - well if they can’t find at least
six different sorts of classes to ride in they are hard
to please.
Barastoc has always been innovative and led the way, but
it’s not even that that gives it it’s charm. It’s the
show horse people’s annual holiday, the chance for their
kids to run wild in safety (and you see them playing…
what else.. .workouts on foot complete with extended
trots and flying changes, with one poppet chosen as
judge) a chance to camp and have a drink without having
to drive home, to see the next new star horse, and maybe
even own it.
To say in future years that you rode there, or won
there, or were there when one of the truly greats was
winning.. The Greatest Show on Turf, is alive and
vibrant in its 42nd year. |
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