The Coonabarabran Showground will undergo huge surface upgrades worth over $77,0000, after funding was announced by the NSW Government on Monday 6 February 2023.

The upgrades are important for equestrian events run in Coonabarabran including Coonabarabran Pony Club, the Coonabarabran Show, Warrumbungle Eventing Club and the North West Equestrian Expo.

The upgrades include delivering a top-quality surface in the main arena, which will ensure safety for both riders and horses.

Washed sand will be sourced from a local contractor to line the main arena to a depth that meets the needs of rodeo and camp draft events. The new surface will be easier to maintain, allowing the volunteer committee who manages the Coonabarabran Showground to spend less time cleaning and smoothing the arena.

The showground upgrades are essential for the Coonabarabran community, said Rebecca Moxham, Event Secretary of the North West Equestrian Expo.

"Coonabarabran holds many equestrian events at the local show ground including the North West Equestrian Expo which attracts more than 500 competitors located from over 100 different schools with up to 600 horses taking part," Mrs Moxham said.

"Events like these bring so much money into the local community, they have kept our small town kicking even through the hardships like the drought. The North West Equestrian Expo is the largest high school equestrian event in Australia. Not only will the Coonabarabran Show Ground Trust, and its equestrian event users benefit from these upgrades, but the entire town will benefit immensely.

ABOVE: With over 500 competitors and 600 horses taking part in the North West Equestrian Expo held in Coonabarabran, the main arena has started to show some wear and tear. PHOTO: North West Equestrian Expo Facebook.

Mrs Moxham says that the upgrades are necessary to keep equestrian events in Coonabarabran.

"So many equestrian groups use the main arena and as each year goes past it becomes more and more unsafe for horses and their riders.

"The main arena has become slippery and unsafe due to excessive amounts of water and challenging weather. The drainage in the arena is a huge issue.

"The entire horse industry has recently stepped up in terms of safety and improved surfaces for equestrian sports.

The value of horses has sky- rocketed, and not to mention the importance of rider safety. People that usually compete will simply not come if the arena is unsafe.

"Investing money into making the arena safe again will bring huge benefits to the Coonabarabran community," she said.

ABOVE: The North West Equestrian Expo is not the only community group that utilises the main arena. Clubs including the Coonabarabran Pony Club, Coonabarabran Showground Trust, Coonabarabran Show Society and Warrumbungle Eventing Club all utilise the showground arenas. PHOTO: Warrumbungle Shire Council.

Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said the surface upgrades will be a game- changer for equestrian events held in Coonabarabran.

"The upgrade will allow equestrian sports people, pony club members and camp drafters to train and compete with confidence, as they focus on developing ad demonstrating their impressive skills," Mr Anderson said.