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Welcome to Sporting Horse Australia

Sporting Horse Australia (SHA) is the governing body that oversees Sport Horse Racing in Australia and it provides professionally run events. SHA works hard for all its members and keeps costs to a minimum.

Sport Horse Racing is possibly the most exciting thing you can do on a horse and the best thing of all it’s for EVERYBODY! We cater for all ages and abilities on any breed of ponies and horses. We have junior, novice (for all new riders and horses) and open sections. We have a variety of fast and exciting races that test both horse and rider for skill, stamina and speed. There are individual races where you compete against other horses there is also individually timed events. Horses that compete in sport horse racing can be of any breed but they should be athletic, fast on their feet and most of all have an excellent mind that can concentrate under extreme pressure. Horses must also have an extensive training period before they can compete at the top level. Some horses can take up to a year before they are able to cope under racing conditions. SHA holds regular free training days throughout our off season to help prepare you for the season proper and beginners can compete in the novice section

Sporting Horse Australia riders compete at most agricultural shows around Victoria on their main arenas. We race in front of huge crowds as it provides exciting entertainment for patrons. Our Season runs during the spring and summer months with a total of 18 race meets during the year. We also hold National and State titles each year where riders come from all over the country for these prestigious titles. Members also accumulate points throughout the year for the Sporting Horse Australia Horse of the Year Title and numerous other awards. These are presented at our annual awards night in May. So start training and we will see you there!

We welcome new members to the SHA and all members receive the following benefits:

  • Discounted entry fees on SHA organised events
  • Public liability insurance on race days
  • Inclusion on SHA’s mailing list
  • Eligibility for the ‘Horse of the Year Series’
  • Ability to compete in the SHA Australian Titles at Royal Melbourne Show
  • Invitation for the SHA Annual Awards Night
  • Voting rights at the SHA Annual General Meeting