Emma Pritchard

Saddle up and get ready, because Valley and Rivers Show Jumping are holding their Autumn Show this weekend.

On March 21, the Grafton Showgrounds will host the inaugural event which will feature several rounds of show jumping and enable riders of all ages and experience and their faithful mounts the perfect opportunity to practice their speed, skills and precision ahead of the upcoming Grafton Show. Louise Light, secretary of Valley and Rivers Show Jumping, is looking forward to welcoming a large turnout on Sunday and is pleased the local sports club, which was established in 2020, is promoting and supporting the iconic sport throughout the Clarence Valley and surrounding areas.

Mrs Light said several competitors from Tweed Heads and Port Macquarie will travel to Grafton on the weekend, and she is especially pleased the sport is increasing its popularity with more and more riders participating in locally run events.

“Show jumping is a great sport to become involved with,” she said.

“While our events are mainly attracting local riders, the more competitions we hold, the more we’re seeing new faces and more riders are travelling to compete, which is great.”

Along with organising and overseeing the event on Sunday, Mrs Light will also be competing along with her husband Myles and young son Harrison. The Autumn Show will also feature several classes for NSW off the track thoroughbreds and their riders to compete in with the chance to qualify for the finals to be held at Nana Glen on March 27 and 28.

Mrs Light would also like to extend her sincere thanks to the major sponsors including Watters Pastoral, McGregor Gourlay Grafton, Coffs Harbour Horseland, Myles Light Slashing Contracting and Valley Signs and Printing.

“It’s really great to have their support,” she said.

The Autumn Show will commence at 8am.

For further enquiries, please contact Mrs Light on 0419 532 094.

Enthusiasts are excited about this weekend’s Valley and Rivers Show Jumping Autumn Show. Image: Emma Pritchard