It is assumed that Horse Competitions have always been a part of the Show since its inception in 1822.The oldest recorded schedule and therefore the earliest existing recording of Horse Competitions is the 1858 prize schedule.The schedule recorded a number of classes including:
- Best & second best thorough-bred stallion
- Best & second best 2 year old thorough-bred colt
- Best & second best 2 year old thorough-bred filly
- Best & second best cart stallion
- Best & second best 2 year old cart colt
- Best & second best 2 year old cart filly
- Best & second best cart mare
Up until 1878 Horse Competitions were for judging horses alone.The first riding Competition was introduced in 1878 for Jumping.A variety of Equestrian events including Lady’s Hackney was introduced in 1882 followed by the Steeplechase and Harness in 1884.Military Turnout made its first appearance in 1885 with High Jump and Trotting both entered in 1886.In the late 1800s and early 1900s the Competition program expanded and diversified to include a range of Horse events new to the Show.Many of those still remain tradition today.
In 1931 the first Rodeo events appeared at the Show.The Sydney Royal Rodeo is now a feature of the Show’s history with over 75 years of Competition, and is also a part of the Show’s modern entertainment package. Events such as barrel racing, tentpegging and polo were introduced in the following years.
Timeline of Horse Competitions and Events
1878 |
Jumping |
1882 |
Equestrienne classes - with the introduction of a special prize for a Lady’s Hackney, to be ridden by a lady |
1884 |
Steeplechase |
1884 |
Harness |
1885 |
Prizes for military (cavalry - in jumping and for mounted servicemen) and Turnout |
1886 |
High jump |
1886 |
Trotting |
1887 |
Pony harness |
1889 |
Pony jumping |
1890 |
First male children’s class - best boy rider (under 18 - in pony classes) |
1891 |
Water jump |
1892 |
First female children’s class – best girl equestrienne for horsemanship and general appearance (under 16) |
1895 |
Hunting contests and Gentlemen’s riding |
1901 |
Pony high jumping & trotting |
1907 |
Tandem jumping |
1911 |
Horse shoeing competition |
1924 |
Mounted Police |
1930 |
Flag races |
1931 |
Rodeo (can include steer riding, bulldogging, buckjumping etc) |
1934 |
Campdraft (men only) |
1939 |
Polo |
1952 |
Dressage |
1957 |
Three day events |
1959 |
Polocrosse |
1969 |
Tentpegging |
1980 |
Campdraft (male & female) |
1999 |
Cutting Horse Challenge |
2000 |
Team Yarding and Reining Horse challenges |
2000 |
Riding for the Disabled |
