Gunnedah Show Society received the funds under the 2011 Shenhua Watermark Community Fund to build new stables which can house 80 horses when completed.

The grant paid for the purchase and construction of the stable structures, with the cost of outfit being covered by the show society. 

The old stable block was dismantled by show society volunteers, and it was removed with the help of Brett Cooper, Darren Jones, Clift Steward and Alan Percy.

The society hopes the work will be completed next year, with the ability to house around 300 horses with the use of the new blocks and five remaining blocks.

The original horse blocks were built in the 1950’s and the society fears they will all eventually be condemned, with one stable already labelled too dangerous for use. There are plans to replace the remaining five blocks when funds become available.

Shenhua’s community liaison officer, Debbie Watson is also a rider and said the new stables were an “amazing improvement” on the old block, providing a bigger and safer area for horses.

“When you have facilities like this, you draw higher capacity riders and more people,” she said.

“We’re proud to be able to be part of it and see it completed.”

Councillor and former chair of Shenhua’s grant advisory committee, Owen Hasler said the new stables would be “another asset” to the complex.

“The plan for this area is to make it more attractive for equine sports,” he said.

“The long-term plan is to move other sports down to the riverside area.”

Show society member George Truman said the society recognised the need to update facilities as interest in equine sports grows.

“The arena here is known as one of the best in NSW,” he said.

The show society is looking for assistance to outfit the rest of the new stables, with volunteers asked to contact Jackie Weston on 6742 1867 or 0429 441 781.

Planning and preparation for the 2017 Gunnedah Show are well under way with April 21-23 locked in. Local clubs wishing to feature at the show need to contact Jackie Weston.