Four local young riders were draped in sashes and trophies following a strong performance at Jamborree.

On Monday, 2 October, Ziara and Savannah Swansen, Hazel Bartlett and Benjamin Birrell, representing Coonabarabran Pony Club, travelled to Wee Waa for the annual Zone 5 Jamboree competition.

At the Jamboree, riders from across 14 clubs came together to compete across a range of disciplines over two days, including flat riding, dressage, showjumping and sporting.

After setting up camp, getting the horses settled and prepared, the riders were keen for an early start on the Tuesday and ready for competition.

Tuesday was the biggest day of competition, with riders completing their flat riding, dressage and showjumping events.

Coonabarabran riders performed exceptionally well in the dressage, with all of them placing in the top three riders for their age groups.

In the flat riding they faced tough competition, but still managed to come away with several placings and demonstrated amazing skills and sportsmanship.

Ziara and Ben then finished the day with showjumping. Both had a high number of riders to compete against and came away thrilled with their results and performance.

It was another early start on the Wednesday to finish the competition with sporting. There were six events run on the day, focusing on some very challenging skills; the aim, of course, to get the fastest time.

The Coona participants rode fast, producing more amazing results across the board.

At the final awards, presentations were made on foot instead of on horses, due to a storm moving in, with the Coonabarabran pony clubbers justly recognised for their efforts.

Ben Birrell received the highest point scoring boy in his age group of nine and under 11, with the girls not to far behind in their own point scores.

Then, in a complete surprise, they were announced winners of the Rex Waterhouse Memorial Shield for small clubs.

This award is given to the four riders from the same club, producing the highest point score for a team. Together, the Coonabarabran team of four riders stood out from the rest. Not only did they achieve amazing results, together they were the ultimate team to take out the prizes!