Emma Pritchard

After the event was reined in on several previous occasions due to the Covid-19 pandemic and inclement weather, Valley and Rivers Showjumping are eagerly looking forward to hosting their Spring Show at the Grafton Showground on September 17 and 18.

Club Secretary Louise Light said close to 50 riders participated in a training day in the lead up to the event, signalling their enthusiasm for the long-awaited competition.

Featuring more than 100 rounds of showjumping, riders of all ages and their beloved mounts will demonstrate their agility, poise and precision across a two-day program, with participants travelling from Port Macquarie and Tweed Heads to compete on the weekend.

“As long as the rain stays away, we’ll be happy,” Ms Light said.

“This is the fifth attempt we’ve made to host the Spring Show, and we can’t thank our sponsors and competitors enough for standing by us.

“Their ongoing support and patience have been fantastic.

“I think we’ll all be watching the forecast pretty closely in the week leading up to the event, and hopefully the rain stays away, and everyone can have fun on the weekend.”

Ms Light said two rings will be set up for competitors during the Spring Show.

Ring 1 will be open to experienced riders and their mounts, with fences set between 80cm and 1.30m.

Ring 2 will operate as an encouragement ring, with fences ranging from 50-80cm to help riders develop their skills and boost their confidence on the show circuit.

After months of postponements and rescheduling, Ms Light said all she wants to see during the Spring Show is the final horse and rider safely complete the course.

“That will mean we’ve done it, we’ve been able to hold the event, and everyone has been able to compete,” she said.

“We’ve worked really hard to promote the sport locally, and events like our Spring Show encourage more people to become involved with showjumping.

“It’s a great sport, it’s an Olympic sport, and we love having the opportunities to showcase it locally.”

Ms Light said members of the public are also invited to come along and watch the Valley and Rivers Showjumping Spring Show on the weekend.

Entry is free.

Competition will run between 7:30am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.