NEGS Equestrian Centre will throw open its doors on Friday the 15th of September to mark the 50-year anniversary of the school’s equestrian history. The NEGS Main Event promises the broader Armidale community an evening of entertainment and celebration for all to enjoy.
NEGS Community Relations and Events Officer, Connie Twyford, says that horses and horse riding have run in the school’s blood since 1973.
“The NEGS Equestrian Centre opened in 1973 with the first year of the riding school under the supervision of instructor Ms Denholm and her assistant Miss Robin McLennan,” she says.
“In 1974 the riding school started with 44 girls and 12 horses and grew within the year to 70 girls and 27 horses!”
The school is now known for its world-class equestrian facilities offering the students the chance to choose their favourite riding discipline, including jumping, showing, polocrosse, cutting and campdrafting. The purpose-built facilities now not only serve the school, but also play home to the NEGS CNC One Day Event which attracts rides from around the country.
Many past NEGS students have gone as far as to represent Australia at an Olympic level in equestrian, or work in the horse industry, with the Centre facilitating an environment where students learn the “highest standard of etiquette and conduct desirable to become well-rounded horsewomen who can excel as future employees in all fields of the Equestrian Industry.”
To match their level of excitement about reaching this impressive 50-year milestone, the school is making the celebrations open to the public, not just current NEGS families.
“This event is open to the public, in fact we’re so excited to welcome all friends, families and community around NEGS into campus for a wonderful night out to celebrate,” says Ms Twyford.
Tickets to the event are available to purchase now and are $120 per person. Tickets are open to adults aged 18 and over and the price includes entertainment, capapes and beverages including beer, wine, and soft drinks.
A highlight of the evening will be performances by popular local band Terra Firma who will bring their unique blend of country, blues, and reggae music to the stage.
The evening will kick off at 6.30pm with a dress code of “dressy but with appropriate footwear” and will, of course, be held in the equestrian centre stables and arena.
For more information about the event, visit the NEGS website.
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