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Spirited: Australia's Horse Story

Spirited = Australia's Horse Story

The National Museum of Australia is on the home straight toward opening night of our major exhibition, Spirited: Australia's Horse Story.

The exhibition will feature an incredible variety of horse history treasures, over 500 objects, including: a massive wool wagon; the Junius Cup (the oldest known Australian-made racing trophy); the 1866 and 1867 Melbourne Cups; the typewriter used by Elyne Mitchell to write the iconic Australian horse tale, The Silver Brumby; and the equipment used by Emilie Roach in 1929, when she and ‘Dungog’ set the Australian ladies high-jump record, by clearing 2.16 metres.

Spirited: Australia’s Horse Story examines the special bond Australians have with horses and celebrates how these animals have enriched our lives, built our society and shaped our environment.

The exhibition tracks the arrival of horses in Australia with the early Europeans; examines their critical role in early exploration; and celebrates horses on pastoral stations, in towns, on the track, as transport, in pony clubs, in sport and in war.
The exhibition also includes a family trail and dedicated family space with hands-on interactive experiences for children.

Spirited is open to the public from 11 September 2014 to 9 March 2015 at the National Museum of Australia, Acton Peninsula Canberra.

Equestrian Australia members receive a special 20% discount on the adult ticket price.

Adult entry: $15
Equestrian Australia members: $12 (please show your current EA membership card)
Children (under 16): Free

Exhibition information at nma.gov.au/horses

Spirited = Australia's Horse Story