2025 NCHTA Events

By now, everyone will be busily planning their eventing year and will probably have noticed that the calendar looks a little different this year. To understand why, it is best to explain to you all how the calendar evolves and why it has changed.

  • NCHTA is part of Eventing NSW, and the organisers of all NSW events get together and try to arrange them in some reasonable order.
  • The primary idea behind creating a calendar is to plan events so that horses can qualify for the major competitions of the year, namely Adelaide 5* and Sydney 3DE. Clubs that run FEI events get priority in the calendar, and then national events fill the gaps.
  • NCHTA’s spring event has been an FEI event, which was ideal when Adelaide was in November, and our national event runs in the first part of the year.
  • Dates for FEI events are determined around August of the preceding year and submitted to the FEI along with the booking fees.

In 2024, the September event suffered low entries as Sydney* ran an event the weekend before (this date wasn’t confirmed until 5 weeks before the event and there was no way to move at that point). This was not ideal, with NCHTA running at a significant deficit (the costs of running an FEI event are high; accommodation and travel costs for the officials was close to $22000). When the calendar was being planned for 2025, and Sydney had the weekend before NCHTA’s allocated date in March, attempts were made to reschedule.

NCHTA runs events at Equestrian Park, and that calendar is also complicated with several other clubs’ bookings needing juggling with their disciplines’ peak bodies. Thanks to ACTSJC for being adaptable, NCHTA was able to change the date to the first weekend in April. The only catch with this weekend was that Eventing NSW required an FEI event to be run in the lead-up to Adelaide (Wallaby Hill had previously been allocated that weekend).

The committee of NCHTA have always tried to remain true to our mission statement:

NCHTA is committed to providing a first class environment for all levels of riders to compete, from EvA65 to the 4* level, aswell as training clinics.

Therefore, the decision has been made to run events with our FEI event (EvA80 to 4*) in the first part of the year, and our national event running from EvA65 in the second. We realise that this is disappointing for riders who had been looking forward to having a 65 start in the first part of the year, but hope that you will understand that we are unable to run 7 classes XC at an event for the following reasons:

  • Lack of room on XC for that many courses
  • insufficient flags for all the jumps required
  • insufficient room to park everyone.

NCHTA will still run a mid winter day, with a commitment to run the pairs fancy dress as we know how this is a highlight for many, and we love seeing riders enjoying themselves.

We also have a clinic with Sam Lyle booked for the 15/16 February,

We hope that this help answer some of the questions.

2025 is going to be a very different year, as it will be our first without Ben Smith. He has left us with a legacy of a terrific XC course, and are determined that many events will be held in the future.

Trade village

NCHTA is proud that our trade village is coming such a popular place to be! We’ve got saddleries, coffee, canteen (rated as the best by none other than The Eventer magazine!), a bar, feed merchants, and clothing – we have everything covered!

Thinking about a new saddle? We have the owner of Antares Australia, Jamie Smith coming to the Capital! Come and find out why Antares are considered amongst the best saddle makers in France.

Ros has her tradestand at our event again – with a huge range of stock.

Ranvet is Australian owned and made and their dedication to research in the science of horse training and nutrition has resulted in development of an extensive range of top quality supplements and medications that are shipped worldwide. Sponsors of EvA80

Make sure you stop in and have a chat to Kane and Polly at the Floating Filly. Kane is also our event farrier!

They are going to be serving cocktails, and are selling Tumut River beer and cider.

Upcoming event

Seems like only a few months ago the committee met to plan our March event, and here we are now in the final throes of preparing for the Canberra International Horse Trials.

Many riders have already entered – but fear not – there’s still room for more.
On the topic of rooms – The Statesman is the closest accommodation, and given it’s Floriade, sitting week in Parliment AND our event (with 17 rooms booked for officials) if you want a room, book soon!

Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages – and we will be making announcements through Whatsapp, for news and updates.

XC maps

Our amazing Ben Smith has created maps for the courses tomorrow,

Thank you to those who came along and helped out with preparing. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us!

Remember that Kambah Pony Club are running a canteen.

Back numbers will be available to collect from a WHITE HORSE TRUCK that is parked in front of the canteen,. This truck is called TRUDY and is the latest member of the MacKenzie family. Hence BIG BLUE is for sale.

PLEASE BUY THIS FLOAT!

Pairs draw

Here is the list for the pairs. Riders are leaving the start at approx 1 and a half minute intervals.


Fun and hilarity is guaranteed.
Riders must wear a back protector, boots and a helmet. Ideally, both riders wear back numbers (front and back – so why it’s called a back number is a question for another day).

There are DRESSING jumps that riders try to jump in unison – the pair the scores the highest points and closest to the optimum time will win some prizes!

Draw and notes

Tina Stafford has worked her magic and we have a draw!
This is at 3pm 12.3.24
You will all receive an email with the draw – and in a few days an email with your back numbers.
Digital course maps for this weekend are available free on CrossCountry App.

Remember you must always check the official map and optimum time at the event and walk your course as presented.

  1. Download the app, it is called CrossCountry on Android and CrossCountry 2 on iPhone.
  2. Open the app and search for the event
  3. Tap on your course to view the digital map
  4. Download and personalise the course with your own riding notes and photos from CrossCountry Pro

Courses can also be viewed online at www.crosscountryapp.com/events/envision-finance.

Sponsor information

CCI4*-S
Capital Asphalt is proudly an ACT, locally owned company that is able to offer asphalt production and services. Specialising in all asphalt and bitumen related applications, Capital Asphalt is MAKING A DIFFERENCE for the ACT.

Capital Asphalt would like to introduce CAPECOâ„¢ (Capital Asphalt ECO). It is the latest high performance, sustainable asphalt range, available only from Capital Asphalt.

In 2021, Capital Asphalt commissioned their state-of-the-art, German manufactured Benninghoven ECO2000 Asphalt production facility that utilises 30% less electricity.

Through smart innovations and recycled materials, Capital Asphalt has the ability to produce sustainable, high strength asphalt.

CCI3*-S

Wallaby Hill has been a supporting eventing in the capital for many years, and we are grateful for our relationship with them. Make sure you all put thei next event on your calendar: Sat 30 Nov & Sun 1 Dec
Select this link to find out more

Completely Equine 2* Class Sponsor
Completely Equine is an equestrian apparel and saddlery boutique with the most extensive range of premium brands in Australia.  Whether it is matchy-matchy or highly functional and technical, Completely Equine has you covered. They will be bringing a large range of Dada Sport, Cavalleria Toscana, Samshield, Kingsland, Premier Equine, Veredus, LeMieux and Flexon Stirrups to the event.
https://completelyequine.com.au/

CCI2*-S Junior

Breeding willing kind Connie’s and Cobs x. Promoting horse welfare and safe handling. Coaching from the ground up across the disciplines .
Experienced, kind, and encouraging. EA and BHS qualified and insured. Eventing to 3* and dressage to small tour.

Contact Fiona Gruen. 0414880833
www.wallarooequestrian.com.au

CCN1*

NCHTA is so fortunate to have such a great partnership with Canberra Horseland.

They always have our back!

Support the businesses that support our events .

https://www.horseland.com.au/

CCN1*
Abbey Animal Health is 100% Australian-owned and managed. They provide first-class solutions to improve animal welfare.

Check out their quality products at https://abbeylabs.com.au/

Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA) breeds and trains certified Assistance Dogs, which are then
placed with children and adults with physical disabilities, PTSD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Every year, ADA’s programs support more than 1400 people living with physical
and neurological disabilities.
It costs up to $60,000 and takes around two years to train an Assistance Dog, which is provided to the client at no cost. Over the 8-10 year working life of one Assistance Dog reduced care costs mean the disability sector saves $165,000, making the impact of ADA’s programs
invaluable. â€‹ Assistance Dogs enhance clients’ independence, improve their social connection, and increase
economic participation. With emotional support, mobility assistance, anxiety response, and
other types of aid, more than 81% of recipients actively engage in their community after receiving their Assistance Dog.
Assistance Dogs Australia is proud to sponsor the Ev95B Class and bring awareness of our amazing programs to the Canberra Equestrian Community.
Visit us at https://www.assistancedogs.org.au/ to learn more.

R&J Equestrian Supplies are locally based Manufacturers of high-quality Showjumping and Cross Country equipment. They also specialise in timber products and can build amazing cross-country jumps for your Equestrian pursuits.
They make and supply gates, planks, fillers, poles and portable Cross Country jumps. They can also supply cups, (including breakaway) flags, metal feedbins and tack boxes. Come visit the trade stand and talk to Rod and James at the event and check out some of the stunning jumps in ring one that have been made to order for many of our Sponsors. If you would like a custom show jump that really stands out in the ring contact R&J Equestrian! https://rjequestriansupplies.square.site/

EvA 80 Sponsor
High Voltage is a Canberra based business specialising in commercial
vegetation management services (large solar farms up to 75 acres and
equine facilities). Scope of works ranges from small-scale residential work right through to commercial mowing and herbicide application from a Chemcert-qualified practitioner. Simon is a semi-retired Veteran (32 years in the Army) who prides himself in delivering a high level of service and reliability; he owns horses and understands how to run his business with minimal disruption to your equines (their safety is his highest priority). He can also help you out with barn and stable building maintenance and a multitude of repair and building works.
Call Simon on 0410 770 741 to discuss your needs.

NCHTA is delighted to welcome back Britt Grovenor as our Official Photographer! Not only is Britt a true supporter of our events, sponsoring all of our winners with photography packages, but she is also one of the best in the business!!

Nearside Equine is a boutique agistment facility located just 10 minutes from the Canberra CBD. They have quality stabling, a double-sized sand arena, a round yard, a grass arena and a riding track through the property. All paddocks have excellent fencing and there are both private and shared options on offer. Kelsey and Darcy love to support the local equestrian community by hosting events, clinics and seminars- get in touch to see how they can help with your ideas! nearsideequine@outlook.com

Tori Doak Equestrian offers a range of equestrian services in Canberra and surrounds including training, competing and coaching. Students also have the opportunity to be supported at shows. Lessons are available in Wallaroo or she can come to you. Tori has been competing for over 20 years in all three Olympic disciplines. She has competitively evented to 3*, 130cm show jumping, broken in horses and taken them up the grades.

Hannah Klep Eventing.

Hannah is located near Canberra in Wallaroo NSW and is available for coaching and clinics around the country.  She is a EA NCAS Level 2 Eventing Coach and FEI 4* Rider.