NEW: The Gympie Equestrian Centre near Mothar Mountain. Photo- Kara Sonter
GYMPIE horse enthusiasts could soon have themselves a new competition and training venue with the Noosa Equestrian Centre nearing completion at Mothar Mountain.
The facility features a brand new indoor dressage arena, show jumping arena, 5km cross country jumping course as well as 60 day yards for events.
It is anticipated that the centre, at 1295 Noosa Road, will provide a new meeting place for equestrian events, attracting competitors from south-east Queensland and as far as northern New South Wales.
The closest venue of a similar scale is in Maryborough, so having such a high quality facility so close to home is an exciting prospect for the region.
It is expected that the facility will also be available for use by local organisations, such as the Gympie Pony Club, which is often limited by their site in town.
Already, bookings are flowing in for various clinics and training events to be held at the site.
A dressage event has been scheduled for April as well as a clinic involving students from Stuartholme school in Brisbane.
A hunter trial is also being planned, with the intention that this will lead into an annual full day event involving more than 150 riders.
Owner Peter Fitzgerald is from the Gympie area. It is believed his interest in the project stemmed from his daughter’s passion for horses.
Set over 76 ha (188 acres) and bordering Woondum Forest means the property provides the ideal location for such a large-scale facility.
With access to the national park, trail rides through the forest are set to be a popular attraction for visitors.
This article was written while undertaking work experience at The Gympie Times. The original version of this article can be viewed on the Gympie Times website: http://www.gympietimes.com.au/news/a-mothar-of-all-venues/2169754/
Rebecca Campbell - Reporter 