For riders across Australia, the Melbourne International Three Day Event is widely regarded as a milestone competition. An iconic event that attracts competitors of all ages and stages of their careers.
For Tasmania’s Ruby Hirst, proudly supported by Pryde’s EasiFeed, the 2026 event marked the fulfilment of a dream she had carried for many years.
Ruby Hirst and Speedy Sky photo Lisa Grund Photography
Ruby is part of the well‑known Hirst family, whose connection to Pryde’s spans her sisters, Alice and Bethany, who have been sponsored by Pryde’s for many years.
Ruby had previously qualified for Melbourne in 2024 but was forced to withdraw due to injury. Returning in 2026 was therefore a significant personal achievement, made even more remarkable given the challenges she faced in the lead‑up.
“It’s just been such a big goal of mine for so many years… I’ve always wanted to be at Melbourne,” Hirst said.
“Competing there was honestly incredible.”
Just two weeks before the event, Ruby suffered a serious wrist injury, leaving her with limited preparation time. With the help of friends who kept her horses in work, she managed one ride before loading them for the journey across Bass Strait.
“As long as I got there and tried my best was my only thought,” she said.
Competing in the CCN1*, Ruby campaigned two Off‑The‑Track Thoroughbreds she has trained herself - Speedy Sky and Katzenjammer. Speedy Sky delivered a clear cross‑country round and finished 16th, while both horses handled the atmosphere with maturity.
While Melbourne is a major undertaking for any rider, Ruby’s journey is particularly unique. Unlike most competitors, her preparation involves navigating an ocean crossing.
“I take a 12‑hour boat ride with the horses where they stay in the float… and then I get off the boat, give them a rest and make my journey to whatever event I’m going to.”
Based near Launceston, Ruby travels an hour to Devonport before boarding the boat. Once in Victoria, the trip to Werribee is short, but the Bass Strait crossing requires careful planning - especially when travelling with sensitive Thoroughbreds.
“We’re not allowed to feed them on the boat… so it’s making sure I actually do really good prep before and after the event because the boat trip can strip the weight off them,” Ruby explained.
“I went to Ballarat a month ago and I came home expecting them to be a bit more light on, and they honestly looked the best they’ve every looked, because of the prep,” she said.
For her Melbourne campaign, Ruby fed EasiConditioner, adding LupinPak when her horses needed additional support.
“My horses perform well on Pryde’s… they look fantastic on Pryde’s.”
Pryde’s EasiFeed is proud to support the Melbourne International Three Day Event and all riders who take on this iconic competition, including dedicated and determined athletes like Ruby, who represent the next generation shaping the future of Australian eventing.