The Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout
2024 marks the 90 years since the first Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout, a prestigious competition with a significant history.
The competition is named after three-time Melbourne Royal Show champion saddle horse Garryowen, whose owner Violet Murrell was regarded as one of the most fearless and capable lady riders in Australia.
Violet was born in 1904. Her father was a racehorse trainer, and she was already an experienced rider and handler by her teens. Throughout her life, Violet competed in hunts, shows, races, showjumping, steeplechase, point-to-points, and novelties. She was an advocate for women’s participation in equestrian sports at a time when they weren’t allowed to compete in city meetings, herself frequently winning against male jockeys around the country circuit, and raised money for animal welfare causes through the Purple Cross Society.
Violet Murrell and Garryowen, c. 1930s
Violet Murrell and William 'Bill' Murrell
In 1927, Violet married Bill Murrell, a well-known jumps jockey and eventual trainer. The two had a loving and supportive marriage, with Violet once telling Everylady’s Journal, “I help my husband with the horses, and he gives me a hand with the house. It’s turn and turn about.”
In 1929, Violet received the horse Garryowen from a family friend, William Jones. Although Garryowen could be difficult for other riders, the Murrells’ friends and relatives said he was ‘docile as a kitten’ for Violet. The two were a formidable pair, winning around 200 sashes and prizes together, including Champion Hack at the Melbourne Royal Show on three occasions.
At around 2am on March 24, 1934, Violet was woken when a fire broke out in the stable behind her home in Mentone. Violet ran into the fire in a brave attempt to save Garryowen as well as Piquant the horse and Billy the dog who were all trapped inside.
Unfortunately, she collapsed from smoke inhalation before she could rescue them, and although her husband Bill was able to pull her from the blaze, she had suffered horrific burns and died the following night. Adding to the tragedy, Bill also died from his injuries several days later. Violet was just twenty-nine years old.
Violet Murrell riding Garryowen with competition ribbons, c. 1934.
After the tragic fire, Violet's grieving friends sought to establish a fitting memorial to honour Violet's bravery. One of them, Mr H.C.F. Morant, sponsored a 'Garryowen Trophy Fund', and the public were invited to contribute through the Sporting Globe newspaper. This fund purchased the 30-centimetre statuette of a horse and the marble base that sits atop the Garryowen Perpetual Trophy. The inscription on the brass plate reads: Garryowen Trophy Best Equestrienne Turnout Royal Melbourne Show.
To learn more about the group of friends who originally established the Garryowen Perpetual Trophy, click here.
The Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout was first held at the 1934 Melbourne Royal Show. Equestriennes aged 18 and over complete a turnout course on a horse that is over 14 hands. They are judged on a point system with one judge assigned to each of the following criteria:
- Conformation and Soundness - 20 points
- Manners and Pace - 40 points
- Riding Ability - 50 points
- General Appearance - 20 points
- Saddlery - 20 points
- Costume - 20 points
Images from the 1947 Garryowen competition.
A line up of Garryowen competitors in the 1970s. Melbourne Royal Heritage Collection 8941.
Between 1934 and 2023, leading up to the 90th anniversary of the competition, there have been 83 winners of the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout. The competition did not run in 1942-45 due to the Second World War, in 2007 due to Equine Influenza, and in 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
You can read a full list of Garryowen winners here or learn more about some of their individual stories below.
Vicky Lawrie
Garryowen winner - Vicky Lawrie has wanted to be a competitive horse rider her entire life. From the age of four she was riding horses on her family’s rural property in Queensland.
Kath Metherall
Garryowen winner - Since she was a young girl, Kath Metherall loved animals, especially horses. She remembers feeding the horses of the baker and the butcher as they came around with their deliveries when she was just two years old.
Mrs Helen Heagney
A Garryowen four-time winner and mentor
Mrs Caroline Wagner
A four-time Garryowen champion
Shae Russo
Garryowen winner - Shae Russo (nee Hanger) is the great-great-niece of Violet Murrell, famed horse rider who won over 200 prizes including Champion Hack at the Melbourne Royal on her horse Garryowen.
Since 2009, the 75th anniversary of the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout, the Garryowen Hall of Fame has recognised the achievements of riders, horses, and individuals who have displayed a commitment to the Garryowen competition through exceptional service. To learn more about these awards and see a full list of winners, follow the story link below.
