Fig Tree Pocket Equestrian Club (FTPEC) has a rich history, one that dates back to September 1974 when it was originally founded as the Fig Tree Pocket Pony Club. Since those early days, the club has grown and evolved, becoming a key fixture in Brisbane's equestrian community.

In its formative years, the club faced numerous challenges, including head-high reeds and lantana overtaking the grounds, and difficult burn-off conditions. There were also tense negotiations with the local council to maintain the lease on the land. Despite these obstacles, a deep commitment to the sport and a strong sense of community spirit drove members to incrementally improve the grounds each year, often with limited resources and funding.

One of the earliest milestones in the club’s history came in 1978 when Ron Garrett, Australia’s first international course builder and an honorary life member of Equestrian Australia, designed and built the club’s first cross-country course. His contribution laid the foundation for the facility’s future success. Two decades later, in 2000, renowned course designer Mike Etherington-Smith designed the current course, further cementing the club's reputation for hosting high-quality equestrian events. The course continues to be improved each year by leading International course designer Ewan Kellett.

Throughout its 50-year history, FTPEC has seen a wide range of competitors and coaches pass through its gates, including Olympic and World Cup athletes such as Guy Creighton, Matt Ryan, David Green, Rebel Morrow, and many others. The club has also continues to host regular clinics with leading Jumping, Dressage and Eventing coaches including Brett Cantle, David Finch, Justine Streater, Jessica Greelish and international clinicians such as Lucinda Green and Laura Collett.

Today, FTPEC boasts nearly 200 members and is a hub for competitive equestrian activities across all 3 Olympic disciplines: Dressage, Jumping, and Eventing. The Club hosts a full calendar of competitions annually for new riders to the sport, young or green horse competing for the first time right through to Elite competition. The grounds are also used for key events such as Interschool qualifiers (hosted by Schools). As a venue for training, FTPEC continues to be the preferred facility for the Queensland Eventing High-Performance Squad and Equestrian Queensland's official development courses.

Looking to the future, FTPEC has ambitious plans for growth and development. With the upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games on the horizon, there is excitement about the Club's potential to support up and coming athletes as a training and competition venue. The legacy of the Club’s founding members, driven by determination and a passion for equestrian sport, continues to inspire those who make up the FTPEC community today.

As we celebrate 50 years of equestrian sport in Brisbane, the Club remains dedicated to furthering its legacy, fostering new talent, and continuing to offer a world-class venue for equestrian competition and training.