Coonabarabran was once again the teenage equestrian and social hub of the nation for the first week in June hosting Australia's largest school horse sports event, the North West Equestrian Expo.
This year more than 600 students travelled from 112 schools in all corners of the State for the popular event, which is as much renowned for its first rate facilities and organisational finesse as the campfire camaraderie that accompanies it.
Hometown favorites, Coonabarabran High School, were awarded the smartest school on parade by judge, Joh Bailey, with an excited Galston High School receiving the small school award.
Expo committee chairman Kevin Sharp presented an inaugural life membership to eventing head steward, Richard Blackman, a stalwart of the Coonabarabran equestrian community for 50 years.
Mr Blackman has been working with the expo since its inception 22 years ago, upgrading the cross country course to one star level in the process.
Mr Sharp in his closing address remarked on the exemplary behaviour and sportsmanship of riders throughout the competition.
"Your schools should be extremely proud of the manner in which you have conducted yourselves at this event," he said.
