New Bega Showjumping Club president Kirsty McPaul said she was excited to see how the new-look program would be received by riders. 

“This year I have introduced four different series with great prize money and the overall winner to receive a beautiful embroidered woolen rug to add to the already substantial prize packages,” McPaul said.  “These series are for Junior riders, Amateur riders, Future stars and Horses under 16 points.”

Adding the occasion, the Showjumping Club will celebrate 50 years after forming on May 7 in 1968. 

Charlie Smith was the president in the debut year and Marie Smith – who remains a highly active life member of the club.

“I am so proud to take on the presidency of the club in its 50th year,” McPaul said.  “I have been a member myself for over half that time and publicity officer for 23 years, as well as many other positions on the committee.”

McPaul said original members like Marie Smith, Richard Otton and Madge Salway are still involved, while there is an ongoing family presence of everyone who formed the club. 

“It is certainly testament to what a wonderful, successful Club it is,” she said. 

Initial entries are solid with riders still able to sign up until Friday night (December 14). 

With a bustling calendar of events for showjumpers, McPaul said she was grateful to all the visitors who regularly make the Showjumping Cup a staple of their competition roster. 

She said it was a great opportunity to share Christmas and New Year celebrations with like-minded people. 

Australian World Cup qualifier Clint Beresford will return in an attempt to defend his 2017 crown. 

Formerly of Bega, Clint has recently set up a training and agistment facility at Murrumbateman.

Beresford’s number one horse Emmaville Jitterbug has not had an ideal lead up to the Cup as he suffered a minor injury back in October and this will be his first major event back.

The Showjumping Cup runs December 28-31.

The official program can be found on the Bega Showjumping Club website or Facebook page.