The best eventers from across the state and over the border will once again converge in Armidale for the annual New England Girls’ School one day event.
An estimated 200 riders are set to enter the competition on November 19 and 20.
From the encouragers 45 centimetre class through to the CNC 1* level will see riders tackle the dressage, showjumping and cross country phases over the two days.
Event secretary Ali Pettit said is a fantastic competition because it has something to offer for riders and horses of all levels.
"It is a good event all the way through,” she said.
"We usually have quite a few accomplished riders who come and compete in the 1*or they come and start their young horses in the lower classes because we are quite a nice event to do that at.
"People also like it because we can showjump in the indoor.
"That is quite different for Australia, unless you are at one of the bigger events, a lot of the showjumping is still out in the paddock so it is is good we are able to offer a nice surface and a bit of a different venue for a horse to jump in.”
Plenty of locals have already signed up to enter and Pettit hoped more will join in to take on some of the out of town competitors.
"We have had about 50 or 60 roll in so hopefully we are above the 200 mark,” she said.
"Hopefully we will get some more from the area.
“It is a good event that is only going to get better.
She believes the friendly nature of the event and the obstacles on the cross country make it the perfect opportunity for people to get out and try eventing.
"It is a good way to get your horse out because we are middle ground, we are not a super tough course but we definitely have a lot of questions on our cross country course that a lot of places don't have,” she said.
"It is a nice atmosphere, it is always a lot of fun and it is good for people to come and see the school.”
There is still plenty of time to enter the event via www.nominate.com.au.
Ellen Dunger
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later on that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Always happy to hear news and tips. www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later on that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Always happy to hear news and tips. www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
