Jemima Draper and India Mitchell were among 35 competitors in Wednesday’s Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout.

The Garryowen is considered Victoria’s most prestigious equestrienne event.

It regularly attracts many of Australia’s best riders, making the appearance of two local equestrians no so small feat.

This year’s event took on special significance, being the 80th anniversary of the event named in honour of the former Victorian show horse and his owner Violet Murrell, considered one of Victoria’s best show and cross country horsewomen.

In 1934, Garryowen – a champion show horse - died in a stable fire in the Melbourne bayside suburb of Mentone.

Twenty-nine year-old Ms Murrell died trying to rescue him, while her husband Bill died ten days later from burns sustained while trying to save his wife.

The turnout honours Ms Murrell’s bravery and the love she had for her horse.

Ironically this year’s event was won for the second time by Shae Hanger, whose great-great aunt was Violet Murrell.

While neither local filled a placing on the day, both said they were thrilled to compete in the milestone event.

Ms Draper, a 22 year-old podiatry student at Bendigo’s La Trobe University, was contesting her fourth Garryowen.

The former Rochester woman said her appearance at this year’s Royal Melbourne Show aboard Ballarat-owned horse Salisbury My Gal was her ninth in total.

“I placed two years ago in the Garryowen, that was my best effort yet,” Ms Draper said.

“Unfortunately my horse didn’t seem to like my jacket which caused a few problems, but other than that he was good.

“Being the 80th year we all get a commemorative ribbon for competing which is quite special.”

Ms Mitchell, 22, a fourth year architect student at Melbourne University but formerly from Torrumbarry, near Echuca, is no stranger to the show ring.

She rode at her first Royal Melbourne Show at age 11 and won reserve champion rider at 13.

The past 12 months have been among her best in the sport, including dual wins at the Canberra Royal Show, a novice hack win and placings at the Royal Sydney Easter Show and her undoubted highlight, victory in the Show Horse Council of Victoria Autumn Classic.

Ms Mitchell said her show mount Royalwood Centre Stage – stable name Troy – was not on his best behavior for the Garryowen.

“He played up - that happens,” she said.

“You can never be sure of what’s going to happen when you ride horses.”