PERFECT weather welcomed spectators to the inaugural Merriwa Interschool Horse Sports Day at the Merriwa Showground on Friday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The one-day event attracted 76 competitors from both public and private schools across NSW who competed in a number of ring and sporting events such as flag racing, bending and barrel racing.
The competition, which was coordinated to raise money for the Merriwa Pony Club, saw a number of hard working volunteers donating their time to ensure everything ran smoothly.
Merriwa Interschool Horse Sports Association (MISHA) president Clare Martin said their committee is an independent body insured through Equestrian Australia.
"For nine years Merriwa Central School ran the Merriwa School Horse Sports however with changes in the department's policies the principal at the high school is just not able to run the event anymore," she said.
"So we formed an independent committee (MISHA) to run the event.
"It's run for school children and they can either ride for their school or they can ride as an independent."
Riders from the ages of eight up to 17 and above came from the local region as well as the wider New England, Hunter Valley and further abroad to compete.
Students competed from local and visiting schools including: St Phillips Christian College Cessnock; Denman Public School; Lakes Grammar School; St Joseph's Primary Merriwa; St James Primary Muswellbrook; St Josephs Primary Denman; Calrossy Anglican College; Scone Grammar School; St Joseph's High School Aberdeen; St Mary's Primary Wellington; Belmont Christian College; St Catherine's Singleton Primary; Point Clare Public School; All Saint College Maitland; Nulkaba Public School; Kirkton Public School; Singleton High School and Martindale Public School.
RESULTS TO COME.