Cooma hosts first showjumping event since EI outbreak

New South Wales' first showjumping event since the outbreak of horse flu in August last year is being held in the state's south-east this week.
The ACT and Snowy Mountains Performance Horse Showjumping Spectacular at Cooma will run for 10 days and has attracted 200 horses and nearly 100 competitors from green zones around the state.

Organiser Tim Dreverman, says competitors are delighted that, after five months their sport is back on a competitive level.
"It's like little kids on red cordial," he said.
"Everyone is running around so excited, so helpful.
"We've had more helpers than you ever get. Everyone has huge smiles on their faces, helping everyone.
"The feeling is just like a big carnival atmosphere. It's almost like reunion of friends because people haven't see each other for five months so it's a big catch-up and such a fun atmosphere to be here at Cooma."
Mr Dreverman says the horse flu hit showjumping just as hard as thoroughbred racing, and organisers are hoping to set a precedent to get the sport back on track.