The week-long event was held at the Olympic Equestrian Venue at Horsley Park with Craig and horse Gadget representing NSW in both the individual and team competitions.

Each state and territory had four riders for the team’s events along with six riders competing in the individual category.

Craig was joined by participants from Dapto, Ryde and Newcastle to represent NSW in the team competition.

After the completion of four events, NSW finished as comfortable winners.

Craig then backed up to participate in the individual competition winning with a point-score of 55 points.

His nearest rival from South Australia was 14 pts adrift.

The success comes on the back of being named Most Successful Young Rider at the Royal Easter Show in May.

The 17-year-old became the first member of the Bega Showjumping Club to be honoured as a champion at the show.

Craig said he enjoyed the opportunity to represent NSW.

“It was a good experience and it was a really good feeling to win,” he said.

“I worked pretty hard and it’s nice to see it pay off.

“It’s been a pretty good year for me.”

Craig said he had a great learning experience and made a lot of friends during competition.

“I had a good time and my mum and I are very grateful for the opportunity and thanks to Zone 14 and Bega Pony Club for their support.

“I look forward to my next competition.”

Julie Matthews, Craig’s mum, said she was proud of her son.

“It was a fantastic achievement and he did very well,” she said.

“It’s unbelievable how well he is doing and the hard work is paying off.

“Craig does try really hard and he is a very competitive person.”

Ms Matthews said Craig will now step up into the next division of showjumping.

“That’s as high as he can go in pony club and he has achieved all that he can at that level,” she said.

“The next level is open company which he did at the Royal Easter Show in the U/21 division.

“He’s stepping up from juniors into open company futurity and mini-prix which will be a lot more challenging.

“Craig will be up against opponents of all ages, unlike juniors where it was 25 years and under but he is excited about it all.”

Ms Matthews said her son had a busy schedule in the next few months.

“He plans to do some more junior events at the NSW State and National Titles which are in Canberra in October,” she said.

“He will use this as preparation for stepping up to the next level.

“Craig will then go to Victoria in November where he will start futurity and mini-prix events.”