World Cup comes to Gatton

In what has been described as the biggest event of its nature hosted in the Lockyer Valley, the showjumping Gatton World Cup was held at the Gatton Equestrian Centre over the weekend.

Some of the country's greatest and most elite show jumpers converged on the Gatton Showgrounds for the much-anticipated event, which is one of the qualifying events for the World Cup overseas next year.

The four-day show jumping competition had three rings running simultaneously, bringing about 400 horses to the showgrounds and spectators keen to watch the highest quality in the sport.

Lockyer Indoor Equestrian Centre manager Cam McDonald said there were almost 2000 rounds of jumping.

"There were 29 horses in the world cup event on the Sunday, which was a huge number," he said.

"The winner was from New Zealand, second was from Western Australia, a Queenslander third and fourth was from New South Wales, so the competitors came from a spread-out area.

"It was top quality from start to finish."

Mr McDonald said the event brought a lot of visitors and money to the region.

"It was the biggest equestrian event we have ever had in the Valley," he said.

"There are 30 of these World Cup events throughout Australia, enabling competitors to amass points to qualify for the World Cup overseas.

"At that level of competition, there would have been millions of dollars in horses at our showgrounds."

He said the event was such a success it was booked for next year at the same weekend.

"It all helps to put Gatton on the map, and now we are right at the top of it," he said.

Mr McDonald thanked Showjumping Queensland and Federation Equestre Internationale for bringing the event to the valley.