The showjumping championships will be held this Saturday and Sunday, with the jumping equitation titles to be contested on Monday and Tuesday.

It’s the first time in more than a decade that Morisset has hosted a pony club state championship, and Zone 24 chief instructor Peter Petherbridge said it was a significant event for the showground and the town.

“We’ll have 170 of the best showjumpers in the state competing, from the ages of 11 to 25,” Mr Petherbridge said.

And with each competitor travelling with parents, family, and support crews, it all adds up to a big four days for Morisset.

“It’s not unbelievable to expect 600 people will travel here for the event,” he said.

And that means a handy boost to the local economy.

“I reckon McDonald’s [near the showground] will do a roaring trade, but all of the restaurants, supermarkets and petrol stations in the area will do quite well,” he said.

About 80 per cent of participants in the championship will camp at the showground.

“The others will be staying in motels and B&Bs in the area,” he said.

Leading showjumping course designer John Vallance, who co-designed the course for the Sydney Olympic Games, will design the course for the competitions at Morisset.

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Mr Petherbridge encouraged locals to visit the showground to watch the young riders compete.

“Showjumping is probably the most spectator-orientated equestrian sport, and one of the few that is regularlry on television,” he said.

Rounds are completed in about 50 seconds, it’s easy to follow, and the tension that builds during the competition can make it edge-of-the-seat fun.

Mr Petherbridge also invited any locals with an interest in horses to call in during the four-day event, where they can learn more about the many disciplines that are available for children to learn at pony club.

More details at the website pcansw.org.au.

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