Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson announced the funding at the club’s show jumping, jumping equitation and sporting day on Saturday. 

Club treasurer Melissa Penrose said the funding would go a long way to bringing up the standard of the ageing amenities block.

“The original facilities were constructed in the 80s,” she said.

“They really haven’t had much TLC over the years. 

“The refurbishment will bring them up to a more acceptable standard. It’s very welcomed.

“As a small club, trying to raise that amount of money would be difficult.”

The funding will see a complete refurbishment and fit-out of a new amenities block of showers and toilets, with the hopes of attracting more riders to camp out for events.

“We’re also hoping to stretch the funding to include a unisex disabled toilet and shower,” Mrs Penrose said.

The plans will go before council in the coming months, with hopes to have the project completed by the club’s major jamboree in September.

Mr Anderson took up the fight to have the facilities upgraded through the state government’s Community Building Partnership grants. 

“They put the application in to upgrade the toilet block,” Mr Anderson said.

“They are in poor shape, so I supported it whole-heartedly.”

Mr Anderson was at the club-owned grounds on Bournes Lane on Saturday. 

As well as announcing the funding on the day, he sashed the winners, including supreme rider Sian Bricknell.

The club has between 80 and 100 members and will turn 70 in 2019, as the second-oldest club in the state.

Tamworth Junior Riding Club had its inception in 1949 when a meeting was held to form a club to promote horse riding among young people in the area.

The club initially held rally days at Tamworth Showground, but the 25-acre block of land at Hallsville was bought in 1977 to become their new home.

Construction began on the current clubhouse in 1979, and it was completed the following year.