Horse flu shuts down show

THE Yarra Glen Show has fallen victim to equine influenza (EI).
The show, traditionally held on the first weekend in February, was postponed in the face of stringent EI regulations.
Linda Brooks, president of the Yarra Glen Agricultural and Horticultural Show Society which runs the event said the decision was made before Christmas when the committee realised it would be unable finance the measures needed to comply with the regulations.
Ms Brooks said plans are in progress, however, to run a joint show with the Croydon Agricultural Society later in the year.
As a qualifying show for all the Royal Shows and others such as the Australian and Baristoc Horse of the Year, Ms Brooks said the Yarra Glen Show is very important for local riders.