SOME of the equine world’s supermodels will be on stage at this year’s Bengalla Upper Hunter Show.
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The stars will strut their stuff in the annual Off The Track (OTT) program, which showcases the magnificent thoroughbred horse breed.
The OTT class is open to thoroughbreds that have officially trialled or raced.
It’s judged with consideration of a horse’s thoroughbred qualities, confirmation, manners, paces and performance.
And, organisers are anticipating several of the best OTT horses will be in attendance at the Muswellbrook Showground over the weekend of March 15 and 16.
“The Upper Hunter Show is less than a month before the Sydney Royal Show, which makes it a perfect opportunity for local ‘showies’ to prepare,” competitor Elle Mangan said.
“It’s undoubtedly a highlight of every show because the thoroughbreds are such a magnificent breed.
“Not every thoroughbred makes it as a successful racehorse.
“But, once retired from the track, many are retrained for other disciplines and a large number become the supermodels of the horse world – as show horses.”
A past winner of the OTT class at the Sydney Royal Show and Upper Hunter Show, Mangan is encouraging all owners with eligible horses to try their hand at OTT.
“I was fortunate enough to win the OTT class at this show with my hack Honoured, who was actually bred at Emirates Park here in the Hunter Valley,” she said.
“He raced as Glory of the Sea but, after a short track career, he eventually found his forte as a show horse and went on to win at Sydney and was named Prelim Horse of the Year.
“So, if you currently have a thoroughbred who has moved on from racing and is now ridden for show or pleasure, then why not enter this year or come along and see what it’s about?”
OTT will be one of several highlights in the horse ring at the Upper Hunter Show on Sunday, too, with organisers confident their pulling power will contribute to another record attendance.
OTT is proudly partnered by Cressfield, with a sash and rug-set being presented to the 2019 winner.
Other headline acts at the 2019 Upper Hunter Show will be the Rooftop Express Heroes of the Outback show, which has captivated audiences Australia-wide with its all-star line-up of horses, dogs, cattle and trucks.
The event’s annual Friday rodeo also returns, with some of the best competitors pencilling in for the evening extravaganza.
A full program of entertainment, including music, the traditional demolition derby, grand parade, official opening, naming of the Showgirl and the Fireworks Finale, will highlight Saturday’s schedule.
The Bengalla Upper Hunter Show will deliver great value for money with two days of fun.
Single or two-day passes are available.
A two-day pass is $25 for adults or $50 for families (2 adults and up to 3 children) and age pensioners pay $5 (per day).
Keep up to date with all the latest news through www.upperhuntershow.com.au or www.facebook.com/UpperHunterShow
