Melbourne International 3 Day Event was first held in 1957 and has developed into the ultimate annual proving ground for some of Australia’s best riders and horses. Every June, Queen’s birthday long weekend, the finest horse riders in the country arrive at the picturesque Werribee Park precinct, to compete at Victoria’s premier eventing competition.

The cross country course winds its way past the Werribee Park Open Range Zoo, the beautiful Mansion Hotel and Spa, through the stunning State Rose Garden, across the Werribee Park Polo fields and the National Equestrian Centre.  With plenty of indoor and outdoor activities on offer, including pony rides, guided cross country course walks, equestrian education and entertainment as well as a trade exhibition, there is something for everyone, the young and the old.

Melbourne International 3 Day Event welcomes all visitors, to enjoy a day out with family and friends in the fresh air and beautiful surrounds of the Werribee Park precinct whilst enjoying some of Australia’s best equestrian athletes.

CCI MELBOURNE – EVENTING BACKGROUND

The Three Day Event, or Concours Complet as it is known in French, was originally a military event, drawing on the requirements for a top class Officer’s charger – steadiness on parade, the ability to cross the countryside fast in battle and be fit and tough enough to continue with duties after a strenuous day.

Melbourne International 3 Day Event was established shortly after the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, allowing Australian riders and their horses to prepare for international competition.  This proved a worthy decision as Australia has since enjoyed a long and proud history of Olympic success in Eventing.

The 1956 Olympic Games (when Equestrian competitions were held in Stockholm) was the first Games where Australia fielded an equestrian team.

Ahead of its current home in Werribee Park, the event was first held during Royal Melbourne Show with dressage run on Flemington Racecourse, cross country at Oaklands Hunt Club and show jumping in the main Show Arena.  Since its inception it has welcomed riders, officials and spectators from across the world.  Some of Australia’s most successful equestrian talent, including gold, silver and bronze medallists, World Equestrian Games and FEI World Cup team members have used the event as a training and qualification ground ahead of pursuing their equestrian dreams internationally.

Equestrian is the only Olympic sport where both men and women compete on equal terms and animals are involved.  The MI3DE Honour Board  features many Australian Olympic heroes from past and present.