Showjump convenor and show society president Rob Witts said they are sifting through one of their biggest nomination lists in years.

“The showjump is looking good and dressage is the highest it’s been,” Witts said.

“There’s well over 200 (entries) in dressage alone and good cross section of classes.

“But the show is strong all round this year.”

Part of the attraction he said was good riding surface and the wide-ranging level of competition available.

“Everyone loves coming here and competing on this surface,” he said.

“And there’s competition here for levels of rider, from beginner to advanced.”

Top of the class in the feature event, the R.W. Hyem Memorial 1.25m Grand Prix, will be ex-Olympian Ron Easy.

Easy has four horses nominated for the Saturday event – Simplistic, Rooster, Made U Look and The Radish. 

Rival James Hetherington has two nominated in PP Master Class and Jaybee Caribus.

While Tamworth competitor Alan McCusker will also be a strong contender on WF Lightfoot.

The modest $300 prizemoney and rug for the winner might not be the event’s biggest drawcard but the event name and show’s reputation is, Witts said.

“The Hyem name is synonymous with Gunnedah and showjumping,” he said.

“All prizemoney for this event is donated by the Hyem family.”

But despite the show’s continued popularity, the show society had little means to expand the jumping program due to limited resources and staff.

“We’re absolutely flat out to get through every event we’ve got,” he said.

In previous years, some jumping events were run under lights at the showground. But this year some towers were deemed unsafe, so night events will not be run.

Dressage competition is on Friday; showjump starts Friday morning and runs through to Sunday lunch at the Gunnedah Showground.