Equestrian NSW (ENSW) held the inaugural Central West Show Horse Championships at the Young Pony Club Grounds over the weekend in a first for regional show horse competitors.
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The two-day event kicked off on Saturday morning with a training day for riders from as far away as Griffith and Sydney.
The weekend also appealed to local families who took advantage of the opportunity to compete at an event in their own backyard that offered a high standard of competition not normally available.
The youth training day – conducted by guest instructors Danielle Govier and Les Friend – was available to riders 18 years and under.
A judges clinic followed on Saturday night under the guidance of Ann Randell and Danielle Govier.
Show Horse secretary, Kerry Patchett, said to judge at a ENSW show they must meet a criteria and sit an exam, and were able to renew their accreditation and do training on site.
Sunday saw 50 riders compete in the ENSW Central West Show Horse Championships alongside some of the best competitors in Australia.
Kerry said the reason the championships were held in Young was to provide a service to regional members who often have to travel to Sydney to compete in such an event.
“We had a really lovely group of competitors who came along and supported us,” Kerry said.
“We had some of our best horses in Australia there.
“It was a lovely opportunity for competitors to come and compete in the indoor arena and compete in an ENSW event because we’re trying to promote it in our regional areas.
“We hope to return in the future.”
Kerry made special mention of the team at Young Pony Club who she said provided an amazing facility, a friendly welcoming service and sensational food.
“They were incredibly accommodating, it was just lovely,” she said.
