Heavy rain and a flooded course meant Thursday’s one-day event was abandoned but its adult and junior school went ahead without a hitch.

Adult riders trained on the sweeping fields at Roger and KA Whyte’s property south of Moruya on the weekend, and juniors tackled the training course for three days through the week. 

Up to 140 juniors registered in the event which meant an equal number of parents, and horse floats could be seen around the dressage and show-

jumping practice arenas. 

About 20 Batemans Bay and Moruya Pony Club members entered, as well as riders from the central-West, Victoria and southern NSW. 

The riders, aged from eight to 19, from entry-level to one-star standard, went through three days of practice in the three phases of eventing.

Olympic hopeful Natalie Blundell was one of the dressage trainers and renowned showjumper Andrew Barnett was among the jumping coaches.

Mirrabooka Riding Club committee member KA Whyte believed it was the combination of highly-skilled coaches and the area which attracted riders to the event.

“All coaches are currently competing and some have overseas experience,” Whyte said.

“We try to get new coaches every year to keep it fresh for the students because we want to uphold an excellent standard.”