AFTER nearly eight years since the idea surfaced, a $1.3 million equestrian centre officially opened today at Charles Sturt University (CSU).
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The 10-hectare site for multi-discipline equestrian centre was the product of extensive community debate and went before council as the subject of four rescission motions.
The Equex party fought hard to house the centre at the multifunction facility, but council signed a memorandum of understanding in 2012 to develop and expand the existing CSU precinct.
CSU approached WWCC in 2005 and aligned with the Riverina Equine Association, who assisted in planning the facility.
"I'm certainly a product of taking advantage of this facility," CSU graduate and and national equine three-day selector Olivia Skeller said in the official opening.
"We already have plenty (of exceptional riders) who have come out of this area, but increased facilities are excellent.
"Equine sport touches a broad range of ages from an eight-year-old girl riding a pony to an 80-year-old on a horse.
"It's not just a high performance thing, it's a big community thing."
Hunter Doughty from CSU School of Animal and Equine Sciences explained the centre had the potential to facilitate an international standard equestrian competition.
"Already there is national interest in the venue and competitor numbers have skyrocketed," he said.
"It's been a long time coming.
"It's really important not only for CSU, but also for the community.
"It's certainly not comparable to the European facilities, they're much larger... but what we have now is a workable facility that allows people to train and compete, and attract major competitors from elsewhere."
Seven-time Olympian Dr Andrew Hoy said the centre was a reflection of the growth of CSU, while mayor Rod Kendall believed the centre would benefit both the university and the region.
"The centre provides Wagga with a first class facility that will not only benefit Riverina Equestrian users but will also attract riders nationally and internationally to future events," Cr Kendall said.
"Without a doubt, it's a win-win."
WWCC contributed $955,810, while CSU put forward $320,000, the land, existing Equine Centre infrastructure and the $500,000 upgrade of Agriculture Avenue.
The facility will be tested today with 115 riders expected to compete in the Riverina Dressage Festival.