RIDERS from across the country are expected to descend upon Gunnedah for the 2018 Australian Hunter Horse Association national show.
Held at the Gunnedah Showgrounds from December 8 and 9, the event will feature a variety of disciplines and will be held in regional NSW for the first time ever.
National Hunter Horse Association president Charles Dunkley said the event would have “something for everyone”.
“There will be national and international judges and the event will also act as a qualifier for the Welsh International which is held in Sydney,” Mr Dunkley said.
“The event is just starting up again after many years due a decline in people showing, but it is exciting for us to come together and bring it back.
“Over the years we have seen it held in Castle Hill and in Grafton but this is the first time it will be held in a regional location.”
Disciplines throughout the event will all be related to show hunter and there is expected to be 200 horses competing.
“Gunnedah is regarded as one of the best arenas in the state and is well positioned for riders in NSW, Victoria and Queensland,” Mr Dunkley said.
“There is a push from show hunters to move towards a more traditional English style of competition with wide open spaces and Gunnedah is perfect for that.
“Considering how much the drought is impacted everyone Gunnedah is in great condition and was a big reason why it was chosen.”
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Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey said the event would be a chance for Gunnedah to show off its facilities.
“It is just fantastic to have a national event here at the Gunnedah Showgrounds,” Cr Chaffey said.
“To have the Australian Hunter Horse Association here is great news for our community across the board.
“In October we have the motorhome rally coming to the showgrounds, in November there is the inaugural energy and innovation and mining expo and this event in December – to me that is a very positive sign our community is headed in the right direction.”
Mr Dunkley said the event would not just be for “competitors or horse people”.
“We will have live music and performances across the weekend,” he said.
“Entry is free and I think there will be something for everyone.”
- 2018 Australian Hunter Horse Association national show will be held at the Gunnedah Showgrounds on December 8 and 9.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
