Horses set to show their stuff

Some of the region’s most graceful horses will compete for championship glory when the South West Show Horse Association hosts its final event of the season on Sunday.

About 100 show horses and riders are expected to compete at the Championship Day in Kirup at the Jim McDonald Oval.

Incorporated into the event will be the Off The Track Qualifier, which features former race horses that have changed disciplines to compete as show horses.

The Racing and Wagering WA initiative was set up to bring more retired thoroughbred horses into the show arena.

Association vice president Christine Blowfield said riders and horses from around the State would attend Sunday’s event.

“A lot of riders come from Perth, as well as Busselton and a lot of competitors come from the Margaret River area,” she said.

“A lot of our competitors have national qualified show horses so they are of very good quality.”

Leading WA trainer Lou Luciani and his partner Trish will judge the qualifier, which enables the winner to compete in the final at Brookleigh Equestrian Centre at the end of the year.