Originally first held on horses’ birthday on August 1, 2011, the event has only ever been held on its correct day one year in five.

Coordinator Nicole Osmond said that most years they have been beaten by wet weather.

“We’ve virtually tried every month in the cooler season but we just haven’t had much luck,” she said.

“This year’s was originally to be held in June but the showground was still too wet from the April storm.

“So we decided to have it on September 18 but it poured the night before and had to be cancelled.

“I can’t believe that today [Friday] has turned out to be so good.”

Last year was the biggest event they had held with 220 entries for the June event.

Numbers were down to only 130 this year but Mrs Osmond said the lateness of the event and red tape had reduced numbers.

“A lot of the local shows are being held so people are going to those and it didn’t help that the September event was postponed.

“And now the Department of Education wants teachers to attend events like this.

“Although it is up to the principals at individual schools, it makes it hard when there are only a couple of entries from a school.

“But we are still pleased to have 130 riders here.”

The event is hosted by St Joseph’s Primary School and supported by Dungog Pony Club.

The pony club use their proceeds to pay the ground fees.

“Even numbers for pony club events we are holding are dropping,” Mrs Osmond said.

“I think it is just a sign of the times and people just don’t have the money to spare anymore.

“If it wasn’t for this event the pony club would find it very hard to pay the ground fees.”

Events on the day included hack and pleasure classes as well as sporting competitions such as barrel races, in and out of paddock, ball race, flag and western pole bend.