A vision for the city of Wagga Wagga as the home of Australia's leading regional equestrian centre for competition, education and training is on track at Charles Sturt University (CSU). 

 

Funded by Wagga Wagga City Council (WWCC), the first stage of the multi-million-dollar development at the Equine Centre at CSU in Wagga Wagga is well underway.

 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the University and WWCC in 2012 for the development and expansion of the existing equine precinct at the University.

 

The new 10 hectare site for multi-discipline equestrian competition, education and training will be known as the Riverina Regional Equestrian Centre.

 

Stage One includes: a 60-metre by 25-metre warm-up arena with dust suppression to the north of the existing large indoor arena; relocation of storage shed; stormwater management; access roads, parking; fencing; three wash bays; covered day yards for 20 horses; large 90-metre by 70-metre competition arena with dust suppression; 20-metre by 60-metre dressage arena with dust suppression; and office, meeting room, toilet and showers facilities.

 

CSU equine science lecturer Mr Hunter Doughty said, "The new equestrian precinct will set new standards for efficient and functional design and environmentally sustainable operation."

 

"The completion of all phases of the project at Charles Sturt University and the further development of the equestrian facilities at Euberta and the pony clubs of Wagga Wagga will accommodate the city and broader Riverina's equestrian needs into the future," he said.

 

Also involved in the planning of the new facilities is the user group, the Riverina Equestrian Association.

 

Association President Mrs Dianne Watts said, "The city is going to end up with facilities that support a range of equestrian groups involved in Olympic disciplines and individual equestrian sports like dressage, show jumping, horse trials and reining from grass roots to elite level. Competitors from all over the state have been expressing their enthusiasm to come back to Wagga to compete at these great facilities in the near future".

 

The existing Equine Centre at CSU in Wagga Wagga is part of the University's School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences. It provides teaching and research facilities for programs in animal science, equine science and veterinary science. Read more here.