Nowra Show 2021 - showjumping, steer and alpaca shows go ahead

The showjumping events along with the South Coast Beef Schools' Competition and the alpaca show went ahead.

Due to COVID the competitions were held without spectators.

More than 250 horse entries competed over two days of competition on Saturday and Sunday.

The Nowra Showground's main arena was a hive of activity with two full rings in operation.

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And there was some great action at the event backed by Breednet, RamVet and Manildra Stockfeeds.

"Having two rings allowed us to have a dedicated ring for beginners or some of the younger children to compete," said Nowra Show secretary Sue Hammond-Warne

"Two great days of competition."

One of the highlights of the program was the Grand Prix event which was won by Murrumbateman rider James Arkins.

Arkins, who had been shortlisted for the Rio Olympics, took the win onboard Eurostar.

Second place went to local Aaron Hadlow on Vahlinvader, while legendary rider, Olympian Vicki Roycrift was third and fourth with her two horses, Dynamite Bay and Licavia.

Another local Jamie Priestley was fifth on Courage.

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Both the South Coast Beef Schools' Competition and the alpaca show had solid entries.

In the schools' steer competition, local schools Nowra and Bomaderry high faced some stiff competition from Frensham College at Mittagong.

Along with the steer judging and parading competition, a separate judging competition for the students was also held, which leads to qualification to the Sydney Royal.

The junior judging section was won by E Evans, ahead of T Cornish, while Jordan Thorman, Lachlan Bartleg and Mitch Clark were equal third.

The intermediate section was taken out by Judith Hopkins, ahead of Paris Rodriquez and Rose Mahoney.

The champion parader was won by Judith Hopkins, with Michala Grubb second and Paris Rodriquez third.

The alpaca show, along with the junior judges and paraders was held on Sunday, with students from Vincentia High and Menai High competing.

Although disappointing the full Nowra Show program was not able to go ahead as usual, Ms Hammond-Warne praised the three sections who held competitions.

"It was two good days of competition, albeit with vastly different programs than usual," she said.

"And a lot of hard work went in to stage the competitions.

"We must thank Hollie Spence who did a great job organising all the showjumping events, John Bennett, who was chief steward and ringmaster, Alan Garratty and all the cattle community, Maz Worthy who organised the alpacas and did a lot of work to get all the schools involved and Chris Cook and the social committee who did a wonderful job operating the Family Cafe over the two days."

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