A field of 240 competitors and a welcoming country atmosphere helped ensure this year’s recent equestrian eventing competition, the REA Wagga Horse Trials at Narrandera, was a success.

Well-established on the national calendar, the Trials featured horse and rider combinations, including juniors, that completed three phases: dressage, showjumping and cross-country, with different levels of competition depending on the abilities of the horse and rider as a team.

It is one of the few sports where you can expect to see an Olympic rider match their skills against a local pony club member and where males and females compete as equals.

REA Horse Trials at Narrandera President, Emily Dockray, said this year’s event attracted riders across 11 classes, ranging from the CCN2*S division through to the EvA50cm class.

For organisers, the event was the start of a new era, following the departure of long-serving contributors Hunter (Doughty) and Anne after five decades of involvement.

“The event was well attended,” Dockray said.

“We had a relatively new committee this year, with Hunter and Anne’s involvement ceasing after 50 years, so it was definitely a big learning curve for us all.”

Saturday’s competition featured dressage and showjumping under sunny skies, with riders, spectators and volunteers enjoying ideal conditions.

“We were blessed by excellent food provided by the canteen run by Narrandera Pony Club, as well as some great trade stands,” Dockray said.

Conditions changed dramatically the following day when rain swept across the venue.

Despite the wet weather, Dockray said the course handled the conditions surprisingly well.

“On Sunday, we saw cross-country and some showjumping, in very different conditions with a lot of rain,” she said.

“However, the grounds held up spectacularly well and the standard of riding was excellent, with people riding to the conditions, meaning that competitors finished the event safely with no major incidents - happy horses and happy riders.”

Many competitors not only enjoyed competing at the Narrandera course, but also praised the atmosphere at the event and their experiences in Narrandera.

“We have received a lot of feedback from competitors saying how much they enjoyed the friendly country atmosphere and especially enjoyed spending time in the town of Narrandera,” Dockray said.

“They were welcomed by the locals and certainly made the most of the great hospitality.”

Dockray also acknowledged the contribution of volunteers, saying the event could not operate without community support.

“Additionally, this event relies on volunteers and without them, the event would not be possible.

“From running the canteen, through to directing traffic at the entrance to the venue, we are really thankful for the support received both during the run-up and the event itself.”

Mitavite was the event’s naming rights sponsor and also sponsored the CCN2*S class, the highest division contested during the event.

Winners across the divisions were:

CCN2*S: Natalie Blundell riding JJ Flash

CCN1*S: Laura Wallace riding Alhambra Calligraphy

EvA95A: Merran Wallis riding Arthella Moonlight

EvA95B: Safiya Jordan riding Tarburra Black Jaguar

EvA80A: Brianna Harris riding Flynn Rooney

EvA80B: Bessie Dimery riding Marks Icon

EvA80 Junior: Abby Simmons riding Clancys Lad

EvA65A: Bradley Hayden riding Freddie

EvA65B: Trevor Sutherland riding Effigy

EvA65 Junior: Laura MacKenzie riding Twilight Finnigan

EvA50: Helen Thompson riding Hoya Starlight

The competition has proved to be a popular early-season start for NSW and Victorian riders.

The full results are available at https://eventsecretary.com.au/live/21864/results