RIVERINA Equestrian Association showjumping club secretary Belinda Lloyd believes the facilities at CSU Equine Centre will become a magnet for the "best riders and horses in the country".
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Lloyd made the observation following the staging of the club's Showjumping Festival at the CSU venue in Wagga at the weekend.
Around 100 riders converged on the three showjumping arenas at CSU for two days of stunning competition.
Catering for all levels of riders and horses, the Showjumping Festival involved 500 rounds of showjumping, with riders vying for coveted embroidered woollen rugs.
The indoor arena was used for competition in the 80cm to one metre height category, while the outdoor arenas hosted novice riders and horses from cross rails to 70cm.
Riding in the third ring, Wagga equestrienne Ryleigh O'Hare triumphed in the junior section, while Sutton rider Daniel Thuillier claimed the senior division.
As Ryleigh savoured her success, Lloyd revealed riders of all ages had been impressed by the CSU facilities, which are close to being completed.
Lloyd said the new 70m by 90m purpose-built sand-rubber mix surfaced arena had, in particular, gained "rave reviews".
"Riders from around the area, as well as Canberra, praised the surface, and how the horses jumped on it," she said.
"They stated that it is one of the best in the Australia."
Lloyd is adamant the CSU Equine Centre will attract formidable riders and their horses to competitions in the city.
"As the infrastructure develops, the quality of showjumping will be absolutely top class," she said.
"They (facilities) are sure to attract the best riders and horses in the country, including those vying for Australian representation at international events."
Lloyd said the weather conditions had been perfect for competition - and riders had responded with excellent results.
"It was a real thrill to see so many younger, or less experienced riders, and horses getting in and having a go in the glorious sunshine," she said.
Classes in the main arena ranged in height from 1.05m to 1.30m, with the surface handling the competition without any problems.
Lloyd said one of Australia's top showjumping course designers, Brad Longhurst, and acclaimed judge, Michael Archer, had worked to make the Showjumping Festival a great success.
Significantly, Wamboin equestrienne Jess Davies pulled off a winning double at the Showjumping Festival.
In a grand display of riding, Davies was successful in competition in two of the three rings in operation over the weekend.
Wagga Showjumping Festival
Ring 1
Champion: Jess Davies (Wamboin)
Runner-up: Sharyn Reed (Canberra)
Ring 2
Junior: Jess Davies (Wamboin)
Senior: Belinda McMahon (Ladysmith)
Ring 3
Junior: Ryleigh O'Hare (Wagga)
Senior: Daniel Thuillier (Sutton)