About midday on August 29 last year, the Tamworth Dressage Club went into lockdown during its annual championships, only to find the competitors and their horses would be isolated on the grounds for six weeks.

Yesterday, one year and one day later, the dressage club and its riders held a successful and emotional dressage championship.

Club president Meg Drury spoke to The Leader about her experience in lockdown and said she was pleased this year’s event was “drama free” .

“It’s the anniversary of our championships where this time last year we went into lockdown for EI,” she said.

“We didn’t know what was going on and no one knew what the circumstances would be or anything about it.

“To be told that it (the virus) was on our grounds was absolutely mind boggling. Some of us were here for six weeks but our horses were here the whole time.

“Competitors who came from out of town with their horses felt that they needed to be here with them.

“We (the Tamworth club members) felt somewhat responsible because we were holding the competition at the time, and we were supposed to look after people while they were here.”

Ms Drury said this year’s event proved to be emotional for everyone.

“A girl from Armidale who was in lockdown last year came back this year and was in tears because the experience was somewhat bewildering for her and the entire horse industry,” she said.

“We’re ecstatic that we’re here though, and there were no hiccups. We had a really successful competition, although it’s a little smaller than normal. We had 70 horses nominated.

“It was great to have a successful competition and we really needed the rain. On Saturday and Sunday, people happily competed and left with no problems.”

Ms Drury’s mother Audrey, who was also in lockdown last year, said she was happy this year’s competition had been a success.

“I feel good. Saturday was a lovely day, and today with the rain we had our hardy riders on.”