Three horse-loving locals have been recognised as life members of the North West Equestrian Expo organisation.

Expo has challenged and engaged high-school equestrian students since May 1992, when the first event was hosted by Coonabarabran High School.

The North West Equestrian Expo holds the distinction of being the longest-running of its kind and stands as the largest high school equestrian event inAustralia.

This year marks the 32nd staging of Expo and is a significant year for volunteers Lucy Evans, Jacqueline Clifton and Ross Young, who have each been granted the title of life member.

A life member is recognised for their efforts towards the ongoing success and operation of Expo.

Each member has watched Expo grow into a smooth and professional four-day event that each year provides riders with a bigger and better opportunity to showcase their skills.

For those who attend, Expo is more than an equestrian competition, it is a weekend of camping, camaraderie,teamevents and fun.

This may explain why individuals remain committed to Expo for life.

Lucy Evans first participated in Expo as a student of Coonabarabran High School and said it was a “thrill” to have horse sports acknowledged and celebrated.

As an adult, Mrs Evans became involved in the organisation of Expo, due to her passion for horses and her connection to those who ran the event.

She assumed the role of Monday dressage head steward in 2014 and has retained the position ever since. Additionally, she has become a member of the official committee in the past few years.

“This event has paved the way for school horse sports and it is such an honour to play a very small part,” Mrs Evans said.

“I have never been made a life member of any committee before and while it does make me feel a little old, I also feel very proud.

“Who knows where Expo will end up; either way, I will be involved to ensure its success.”

Mrs Evans reflected on numerous memorable moments throughout her time at Expo over the years. Some highlights included winning the pony hack class as a rider; as a mum, watching her own daughters win their first rugs; and a committee member when the Melbourne Cup came to Expo.

Another highlight Mrs Evans recalled was Jacqueline Clifton’s cooking, who was also recognised as a life member this year.

Mrs Clifton became involved in Expo when her children began competing in 2003.

She volunteers her time as she believes the event is a strong contribution to the town and puts Coonabarabran on the national equestrian map.

Mrs Clifton is responsible for one of the most difficult jumps at the showground.

She was also given the task to paint a newly-made jump and chose a harlequin pattern in black and white, however, a judge once remarked the horse cannot see both colours.

Although Mrs Clifton’s children stopped competing in 2015, she continued to volunteer her time.

“ForaslongasIam involved, I will support the others in my team and continue to provide the high standard of event Expo is, and continues to be,” Mrs Clifton said.

“It is a privilege and an honour to have my name go on the life members’ board, beside the tireless workers and committee members already there.”

She said Expo has a strong future, but the biggest challenge will be to find volunteers to take over.

Ross Young also believes drawing in younger volunteers will be Expo’s greatest challenge, however, he hopes Expo will continue to be a success.

For over 25 years, Mr Young has volunteered his time at Expo and has seen its significant transformation from a humble sporting activity at an agricultural day into the professional event it is today.

Mr Young said that initially, there were no stables for the horses, they would stay in open yards and often left in the cold. Now, fully-enclosed stables are hired for the event.

He also remembers a time where Expo grew too large, with up to 600 riders travelling to Coonabarabran to compete.

Currently, Mr Young has the role of creating the arenas, specifically in dressage, as he measures the letters for competitors to work in-between.

“Everyone has their expertise. It is nice to be recognised as part of a very hard-working group of people,” Mr Young said.

“It is nice to see the kids and horses dressed up beautifully. It doesn’t matter if it’s pouring rain or boiling hot, they love to compete and I love to support that.

“You either have the love for horses in your blood or you don’t. Even if you know nothing about them, there is a want to be associated with them.”

The North West Equestrian Expo has created opportunities for all involved and the event has built a community of passionate and skilled volunteers.

Each life member has bought something new to Expo and their legacies will be left behind for future volunteers to carry on.

 

PHOTO: Jacqueline Clifton, Ross Young and Lucy Evans have had their names etched on the North West Equestrian Expo’s honour board, as life members of the organisation.