Animals Feature at Cohuna Show

There might not have been the usual thrills and spills at this year’s 107th Cohuna Show, but that didn’t stop those in attendance enjoying themselves. Without the usual sideshows, show bags and other entertainment, it was the chance for the animals to take centre stage at Saturday’s one-day show.

Over 30 dairy and 15 beef cattle were judged in warm conditions, with some in preparation for the Sydney Royal Easter Show. The poultry section saw around 70 birds entered, with many exhibitors entering for the first time. 

Horse events on the main oval included three open rings, a breed ring, pony club ring and a HRCAV ring. Despite the warm weather, exhibitors, judges and stewards were pleased with the day and happy to see the return of horse shows following a year of cancelled events. 

Retired champion racehorse, Chautauqua, made his showing debut, showing in the Off the Track Series. Owner, Casey Bruce, said she was very happy with his two classes, ridden and led, that see him qualify for the next stage of the series. “It’s a highly sought-after class because it’s the racing thoroughbreds going against each other. There’s a big final at the end of the year and you have to qualify to compete in that. Off his first show [today], he’s got a qualification to compete at the end of the year,” she said. 

In the pavilion there was a good array of horticulture entries on display, with the roses and dahlias stealing the show. There was a handful of entries in other sections which were limited to only those classes that were qualifiers for regional and state finals. It was the last show for the 56-year-old Morton-Garner Pavilion, which will soon be demolished and replaced.

The Show was shortened to a one-day event due to COVID-19 requirements needing to be enforced, and a lack of volunteers required to ensure the event remained COVIDSafe. Gate entry was also restricted to exhibitors and financial members. 

Cohuna A. P. & H. Society president, Graeme ‘Tucker’ Peace, was pleased with the event and is looking forward to a full show return in 2022. “For a restricted show, it went very well. We hope to be back bigger and better next year. Our committee puts in a heck of a lot of background work for a few hours of ‘show’. It is rewarding seeing the event go ahead when you’ve put the hard yards in, that’s the rewards we get. I appreciate the committee’s effort and all the work they’ve put in, especially the secretary and treasurer. The volunteers who came out on the day are very much appreciated; we couldn’t do it without them.”