The North West Equestrian Expo, or Coona Expo, has grown and expanded to include the Olympic disciplines of eventing and showjumping, the uniquely exciting Australian game of polocrosse, team barrel racing and sporting events.

Two Trangie Pony Club members represented their respective schools at this year’s event, which was held over a four-day period from May 31 to June 3.

Aimee McMaster riding “Miss Piggy” represented New England Girls School, Armidale. This is Aimee’s first year of high school and so her first visit to Coonabarabran. She competed in most of the events and was placed first in the time trial and third in the keyhole. She also gained fourth place in the 12 years division of sporting.

Another local rider to represent her school, All Saints’ College, Bathurst was Penny Quigley. Not long before the event, Penny’s horse “Lightning Jack’ became lame, and Ben George kindly brought his horse “Mac” out of semi retirement so Penny could compete. Although unplaced, Penny was pleased with their performance and also able to catch up with friends and familiar faces from the previous year.

A third Trangie Pony Club member, Kaylene Riley attended the Expo as a strapper for her school Yanco Agricultural High School. After observing the event this year Kaylene can’t wait to compete next year.

The North West Equestrian Expo is the largest high school-based equestrian event held in Australia and brings together more than 500 riders from both public and private high schools around NSW.