Equine influenza, fires, torrential rain and three years of drought haven't stopped the North West Equestrian Expo going ahead but organisers have made the tough decision to cancel this year's event in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
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The largest school horse event in the country attracting up to 600 riders from state, catholic and independent schools across NSW and Southern Queensland, and more than 700 horses annually, the 2020 edition was to be held at Coonabarabran from May 29-June 2.
Organisers took to social media on Wednesday to inform competitors of the decision.
"It is with a great deal of regret that in light of the increasing shut downs across the state the Expo Committee wishes to advise that this year's event has been cancelled," the post read.
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"Thank you to all the schools who registered team managers - we were certainly on track for a fantastic event with riders across the state attending."
The committee had stated last week they wouldn't be postponing the event. It would either go ahead or be cancelled.
Starting life as a field day for students at the local high school on the school oval in 1991, the event has evolved to incorporate a huge range of disciplines including eventing, dressage, polocrosse, showjumping, sporting, barrel racing and a pentathlon.
