Horses a no show

By Shaun Inguanzo
ORGANISERS of the Dandenong Show have cancelled this year’s horse events as the risk of an equine influenza (EI) outbreak in Victoria grows too strong for show societies to ignore.
Contrary to earlier reports, the Dandenong Agricultural and Pastoral Society (DAPS) this week revealed that after meeting with Victorian Agricultural Shows (VAS), Equestrian Federation of Australia, the Department of Primary Industries and the City of Greater Dandenong Council this week, that it would not host horse events.
DAPS secretary Lynne Ferris said while the absence of horse events was a loss to the Dandenong Show, the society was busy organising a series of spectacular events to take their place on the arenas.
“We are going into overdrive to get more entertainment onto the main arena, which is normally used for horse events,” she said.
Ms Ferris said the threat of EI was too strong too ignore.
“After considering risk management, bio-security measures and duty of care to the horse exhibitors, (DAPS) has made the decision to cancel the horse program,” she said.
On 23 September VAS chairman Bob Johnson issued a letter to show societies urging them to consider the dangers of hosting horse events this year.
“The situation in Victoria is that there are still no reported cases here but that risk levels have increased since our last meeting and are considered extreme,” he wrote.
But the show will go on, and an exciting menagerie of animals will still bring an authentic touch of rural life to the suburbs, Ms Ferris said.
She said cattle, dairy goats, poultry, dogs and more would be on display for show-goers.
Exciting rides such as No Limit, Cha Cha, Dogem Cars, haunted Mansion, Flash Dance, Music Trip, Ali Baba and Mega Drop will give the masses their much-needed thrills.
The arts and crafts pavilion will once more be alive with the colourful creations of both local and statewide entrants.
And, of course, the popular Beat Utes display, live entertainment, stilt walkers, abseiling wall, classic car display, trade stalls, and showbags will all make a welcome return.