Two-day showjumping event draws top riders to Forbes

It's typically a busy time of year for showjumpers, but the cancellation of all of our regional shows has seen riders out of an opportunity to compete.

Forbes' Laurie Norris and Cudal's Jen Woods put their heads together to host a stand-alone event under the auspice of Equestrian Australia - and the response was overwhelming.

They had capped entries at 30 per class, and it turned out that wasn't enough.

"Entries opened (online) at seven o'clock and by eight o'clock they were full," Norris said. "We really didn't expect that."

The result was two packed days of competition across two rings at Forbes Showground Saturday and Sunday.

The quality of competition was equal to what you'd find anywhere, Norris added, with the likes of 2000 Sydney Olympian Ron Easey and World Cup riders Jess Brown and Jen Wood.

"Janelle Waters from Dubbo is also an Australian representative, Rod McQueen is a top rider, a top performer," he said.

"We had six or seven of the best riders in Australia at one time or another - it depends on the combination of horse and rider too.

"You've got some of the up and coming riders as well in Maddie and Haley Cox.

"With them thrown in the mix it makes the bigger classes a really good spectacle."

Across one sand and one grass arena, the jumps started at 45cm to give a whole range of competitors the chance to get out there.

Forbes Pony Club riders had a good weekend, Norris said, with some of the young riders he and Jen Wood have been coaching competing for the first time.

Tess Worland, Jenna Hodder and Ally Walsh were amongst the young riders Norris noted, "and I think they all enjoyed it," he added.

Of the local riders, Freya Hooper placed fifth in Class 16 (45cm) with Tess Worland not far behind.

Ally Walsh was fifth in Class 17 (60cm) and Freya Hooper was just a couple of spots behind her.

Rachel Morgan placed third in Class 19 (80cm) and fourth in Class 18 (70cm).

As with any event, particularly with the addition COVID-safe requirements placed on organisers, there's a lengthy list of thank yous.

Norris thanked Forbes Show committee for their assistance and for running the canteen and Forbes Shire Council for mowing in preparation.

Everyone was impressed with the condition of the grounds, Norris added, and many of the riders camped on site.

Mark Judd from West Wyalong, Tim (course builder) and Di (judge) Dansey from Cudal and Sandy Cox from Dunedoo all helped.

Long-time supporter Robert Mulligan worked with Laurie to organise the jumps.

"A lot of volunteers helped with the gate and did various jobs," Norris added.

Lastly, a big thank you to all the riders and participants who observed COVID-safe regulations.

Some of the weekend results from the bigger classes were:

Class 5.1 - 130cm grass / sand arena 1

Class 4.1 120cm

Class 3.1 110cm

Cass 2 100cm

Class 15 130cm

Class 14 120cm

Class 13 110cm

Class 12 100cm