Moonbi hosts Australian Horse Ball Association National Championships

THE competition was fierce as riders descended on Moonbi for the 2018 National Horse Ball Championships on Sunday.

Featuring riders of all ages, the competition pitted four evenly matched teams against each other all vying for the honour of a national title.

Australian Horse Ball Association president Chris Young said despite lower than expected competitor numbers, the sport is growing around the country.

“There were maybe not quite as many people taking part as we were hoping for,” Young said.

“I’d say the drought we are currently experiencing would have been a major factor with most people busy feeding their stock.

“However, we still had our stable core base of competitors take part and it really was a great event.”

The event also saw Moonbi native Sarsha Fulwood claim the award for Best Australian Stock Horse of the Year.

“While born and bred in Moonbi, Sarsha actually travelled all the way from Western Australia to take part on Sunday,” Young said.

“Her horse Connie (wungum connoiseur) is a real beauty and really deserving of the award.

“We are hoping to expand those awards in the future to include more horse breeds such as Arab horse and Thoroughbred horse of the year as well.”

Young said the association would like to relocate next year’s event to help promote the sport in Queensland.

“Growth of the game is very important,” he said.

“We are taking great steps to get it going in other states and so far have seen some really good results in Queensland.

“That’s why we will look to host next year’s events in a more central location to allow for riders from both NSW and Queensland to get participate.

“It’s all about growth, the association is also running a few training events in the coming weeks and months to give anyone interested in giving Horse Ball a try the chance to do so.”

For more information visit the Australian Horse Ball Facebook page.

Written by Billy Jupp
Article Courtesy of The Northern Daily Leader (Australian Community Media)