SUCCESS STORY
‘It’s just good friendship, good horses and good times’
Good turnout for Sydney Horse Expo.
The third annual Sydney Horse Expo at Centre 200 was another success for the venue and the people who took part in the event.
The expo started on Friday, July 21. Through the weekend, riders of all ages showcased their skills in dozens of competitions and events.
One of the competitors, Matthew McArthur, took part in a reining event on Saturday that involves horses running in the same pattern that are chosen by the judges of the event. He said the event went well and was a great way to bond with his horse.
“I have a reining horse and we’re big into all of the reining competitions, which happened earlier this morning. The trail was actually pretty fun today,” said McArthur, “I have just a little two-year-old baby, so I’m getting him used to everything.”
The expo was jam-packed with demonstrations, including
a mechanical bull that spectators could ride and local vendors who set up booths for the duration of the weekend. A lot of the people involved with the Sydney Horse Expo have different roles.
“I’m here as a vendor, I have a booth selling items. I’m also here as ring crew, (that is) helping set up obstacles in the ring,” said
Andrew Lewis, a longtime rider and a manager at the United Farmers Co-op.
“I’m also here as a ‘show husband’ — my wife is showing (competing) today!” chuckled Lewis.
Lewis’ wife, Bonnie GibbonsLewis, took part in an event called the trail open. The competition involves the horse and rider slowly going through techniques that demonstrate abilities ranchers and their partners have done for over one hundred years. GibbonsLewis said it was her first time
showing at the Sydney Horse Expo and it was a fun experience.
“All of our friends show at the circuit here and some of us travel away together. It’s just good friendship, good horses and good times,” said GibbonsLewis.
The expo brought together people who have a passion for the equestrian lifestyle. For some competitors, it has been passed down through generations.
“My father has been into it (riding horses) his whole life and I’m still doing it, too,” said Christy Gillis, who teaches the younger generation how to ride horses. She was showing at the expo as well as mentoring some of her students.
Gillis’ son, Cody Wells was also involved in the expo, riding a mechanical bull. Gillis said it meant a lot to see her son continuing the family legacy.
“It’s pretty special,” said Gillis.
The Sydney Horse Expo wrapped up on Sunday. The riders and horses involved can be seen throughout the year at events that take place at the North Sydney Exhibition Grounds.