Over 180 competitors from both public and private schools across NSW competed in over 500 events including the working horse challenge, combined training, showjumping, dressage, showriding and a one-day event. 

The event, coordinated to help raise money for local group Can Assist, saw volunteers donating their time, skill and energy to held people in need in the Liverpool Plains Shire.

Quirindi High School student Jordie Thompson and Pepsi, her 14-year-old stock horse, have only been eventing for two years. 

Jordie and Pepsi, competing in only their second 80-centimetre event, took out the 80cm eventing champion secondary division for all schools that attended.

“It was fun. We got a personal best dressage score on 71.20 per cent, which was terrific,” Thompson said.

Jordie and Pepsi went all clear in the showjumping, and all clear with no time penalties in the cross-country phase.

The dynamic duo were also the 80cm showjumping champions secondary division winners for all schools.

“All the practising in preparation for the event was worth it as it all came together on the day. It was cool to represent my school doing what I enjoy,”  Thompson said.

Another Quirindi High School student, Charlie Parsons, and his horse Larson took out the combined training champion boys 14 years and the showriding Champion boys 14 years.

“Some big thanks goes to the organisers for doing a great job,” Parsons said. “It was fun and while it was dusty I had a terrific time representing my school and helping to raise money for a local group.”

Another Quirindi High School student, Tahlia Carroll, and her horse Mickey competed in the 16-year girls sporting events and collected three third places in the western bend, the mug race and the diamond run, and placed sixth in the barrel race.

“I like to say thanks to the organisers and my parents and the Can Assist ladies that made some terrific food, and it was great that it was all for a good cause,” Carroll said.