from Weekly Times Now (dated 13dec10)
THE RASV 2011 Royal Melbourne Horse Show is on at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre from January 20 to 23.
Showcasing more than 40 breeds of horses and ponies, the Royal Melbourne Horse Show offers four days of competition with highly regarded internationals, Claude Avent (New Zealand) and Kris McCall (Scotland) joining a panel of Australian judges.
New Zealands Claude Avent brings a wealth of judging experience, having previously officiated at events including New Zealand Horse of the Year, Auckland Easter Show and Royal Shows across the Tasman.
Kris McCall is an International Qualifier Judge and a panel judge with the British Show Pony Society and Ponies Association UK.
Kris has extensive international showing and judging experience, including being the only Scot to receive a Gold Elite Rider status.
This years program is further strengthened by the introduction of a Saddle Horse Championship.
In a new initiative this hotly contested class will see the top 10 place-getters granted one qualification towards the three needed for the 2011 Royal Melbourne Show.
RASV CEO, Mark OSullivan, said strengthening the Royal Melbourne Horse Show competition schedule further showcases the prestige of the RASVs horse program.
The RASV proudly presents the Royal Melbourne Horse Show as a signature event on Australias equestrian calendar.
Initiatives such as the new Saddle Horse Championships as a qualifier for the Royal Melbourne Show Horses in Action program mirrors industry trends and offers further benefit to the equine community, said Mr. OSullivan
Classes for horses registered with the Australian National Saddlehorse Association have been introduced, and the popular best presented classes, introduced in 2010, will once again be offered for all breeds.
The four-day event will culminate with the judging of the Best of Show Championship on January 22 and the well-supported club competitions including the Pony Club, RDA and HRCAV events on January 23.