FINALIST PROFILE
EVENT OF THE YEAR FINALIST
2021 BARASTOC
HORSE OF THE YEAR
EVENT SPONSOR: BARASTOC
ABOUT THE EVENT
Show Horse Victoria ‘Horse of The Year State Titles’ or, as it is widely known, Barastoc Horse of the Year, has been running for over 50 years. The show has had three homes in its history, Olympic Park and Melbourne Showgrounds which it outgrew, and now Werribee Park. The support provided by Barastoc, for more than fifty years, is totally unique and greatly appreciated. It is the major event on the calendars of show horse competitors. Held the same weekend in February every year it is where dreams come true, and champions are made. Barastoc means something different to everyone.
- Barastoc is run by a small, dedicated committee
- Planning starts 10 months before the annual event
- Roles are allocated, everyone knows their job and coordinates with other team members. At the time the show starts it is a smooth process which ensures the program runs to time
- The Event Director coordinates the many requirements for such a prestigious event – ensuring nothing is left to task
- Barastoc enjoys an exceptionally high rate of return competitors
- The Organising Committee listens to competitor feedback and tailors the program to suit changing needs, e.g., the inclusion of more OTT hunter classes and splitting classes as required
- The show continually evolves year by year.
Barastoc is at the pinnacle of the sport in Victoria – Show Horse State Titles. The prestigious Barastoc name (now owned by Ridley Agriproducts) is proudly synonymous with the Show Horse State Titles. Many winners have been used in the promotion of Barastoc Feeds and enjoy individual sponsorship from the company because of the wins at Barastoc Horse of the Year. Event entries increase annually, with well over 1000 in the EV rings not to mention the other 10 rings during each of the three days – evidence the show is a successful model and its reputation acknowledged throughout Victoria. Barastoc HOTY also hosts several grass roots rings and classes from Pony Club through to national representatives. Class scheduling allows every competitor the opportunity to shine. Friday sees the entire day (14 hours of competition) dedicated to the Childs classes with people attending and camping just to spectate at the event.
COVID challenged the event. On Friday 12 February 2021 competition started smoothly on the first day of Barastoc however by lunchtime the State Government announced a short, sharp lockdown effective midnight the same day. While the show proceeded, behind the scenes, the Organising Commitee were busy making alternative arrangements, cancelling and booking exit flights, along with many other logistical changes.
By the end of the day the decision had been made to postpone the remainder of the event for a week with infrastructure, contracted agreements, catering, and accommodation being put on hold and the hope that lockdown would be removed. With two days notice, the show was resurrected to the next weekend and resumed as if there had been no break in proceedings.
The teamwork and good sportsmanship exhibited during both weekends was a tribute to the ethics of Show Horse. To halt the competition was a big task; to get it back running within a week was a mammoth task and exhibited the dedication many have for Barastoc.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
JUDGING CRITERIA
- Exceptional event coordination
- Positive impact of the event e.g. competitors, local community, spectators
- Showcasing of equestrian sport
HOW TO VOTE
Before casting your vote we’d like you to get to know our finalists by reading their.
You’ll also need your membership number, so have it handy when you’re ready to make your selections. We also ask that you look at the criteria listed for each category and use these points to make your decision – remember, it’s not about just being a nice person!
When you are ready to cast your vote, simply click on the VOTE NOW button.
VOTING ELIGIBILITY
You must have been a financial member at some point during the 2020 membership year to be eligible to cast a vote. You are only able to submit ONE voting form per category. The following will be deemed void and will be removed:
- duplicate votes in a category by the same member
- unfinancial members (as per time period above)
- invalid or incorrect membership numbers