The Victorian Agricultural Shows Saddle Horse Championships commence today at the Bendigo Showgrounds.
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The event, in its 25th year, will feature the cream of the crop from more than 100 member societies across the state.
Those member groups conduct their own events, with winners from those individual shows earning the right to compete at the Championships.
Victorian Agricultural Shows executive officer Rod Bowles said there are more entries than ever for this year's show.
"We have more than 120 entries, which is 200 more than last year's show," Mr Bowles said.
350 horses will take part in the two-day event.
Heat is going to be a factor, particularly today, with the temperature expected to reach 35 degrees.
Mr Bowles said the show has a heat policy, which could be enacted if temperatures reach those forecasted.
"We have made the timetable so that most events are done by 2pm today," Mr Bowles said.
The Championships feature a range of events for ponies, galloways, hacks led and ridden.
Assembling a quality judging panel was one of the organising committee's biggest challenges, according to Mr Bowles.
"We have secured jockey Darren Gauci as a judge, as well as people from Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia," he said.
"Sourcing those people is important for the show. They are well credentialed and they need to be to judge the horses."
The Diamond Debutante section is new to this year's Championships and will feature horses that have not been to a show before.
"It is like a young debutante on the social scene going out for the first time in society," Mr Bowles said.
The Fashions on the Fields competition will have the handlers of the horses dressing up in race day fashions, with awards given to the best in dress male and female.
"The handler dresses to match the horse, with the bridle and handler matching.
"The idea is that the handler compliments the horse in race day fashion," Mr Bowles said.
A highlight of the Championships for the past three years has been the HERO Series Final, which brings together former pacers and trotters.
2019 winner Savesomtimetodream was the richest finalist, with $222,625 in stake earnings prior to showing.
The Victorian Agricultural Shows Saddle Horse Championships takes place today and tomorrow, from 8am until 4pm.
Entry is free at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Holmes Road, Bendigo.
