MORE than 200 competitors from across Australia travelled to the Mansfield Shire last weekend for the Friends of Mansfield Equestrian Australia Horse Trials.

Against a formidable backdrop of stormy clouds, riders competed in dressage, showjumping and cross-country events at Mansfield showgrounds.

For club secretaries Lauren Lines and Fiona Fox, the lead-up to the weekend’s success had been “a long, long time coming”.

“We started planning this event in July this year so it’s involved a lot of work,” Lines laughed.

“Our cross-country course gets worked on all-year round and it’s an event everyone really looks forward to."

Fox and Lines helped form the Friends of Mansfield EA three years ago under the umbrella of the Mansfield Pony Club.

“This committee is for past pony club members, parents and any member of the community who is passionate about horses,” Fox explained.

“We use the generated income to help support equestrian events and facilities."

Both Lines and Fox said cross-country was one of the most exciting equestrian events.

“It’s an amazing adrenaline-filled sport that everyone really enjoys,” Fox said.

“From a spectator perspective, you can’t watch a more exciting event.”

Next year, Fox would love to install marquees near the showgrounds to allow more people to watch the event.

"We’ve got lots of great plans for the event next year and we are really looking forward to seeing how the event can grow,” she said.

Lines and Fox both expressed their gratitude for everyone’s hard work this year.

“This event is massive so we just want to say thank you to all the volunteers, parents and workers,” Lines said.

“We love hosting so many interstate riders but also love seeing our local riders compete as well.”

Results from the EA Horse Trials will be in next week’s Mansfield Courier.