Memoirs of Morgantown

In 2007 Equine Influenza (EI) struck the Queensland Equestrian community and left in its wake, everlasting memories with an entire generation.

Among the worst effected were a group of competitors who had gathered from all over Eastern Australia to compete in the Eventing World Cup Qualifier at Morgan Park (Warwick).

These strangers soon turned into close friends as they endeavoured to lead a life as normal as possible while they waited for the virus to clear all the 260 horses on the grounds.

Simon Goddard was the event director and quickly became the conduit between the Department of Primary Industries (now DAFF), Emergency Management Queensland and the people of Morgantown.

“It affected people differently, though it was very stressful for everyone. I know of some people who gave the sport up after this. Some have not been back to Warwick since while others enjoyed the break and came back stronger than ever!” says Simon.

Simon has written a memoir of his time at Morgantown which is due to be released this July to coincide with the 21^st birthday of Warwick Horse Trials and then 10^th anniversary of the lock down.

Hard copies of the book will be available to purchase at the Warwick ODE.

If you are interested in getting a copy please contact Simon at [email protected] by the 9^th of June so that he can make sure enough copies are printed.