STATE of Origin polocrosse coordinator Carol Bowen has defended the Upper Hunter Show Society's decision to drop equestrian-related events from the 2020 program.
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The best-of-three series, showcasing talented male and female riders from NSW and Queensland, is usually one of the feature attractions at the Muswellbrook Showground every year.
However, that won't be the case on Friday and Saturday, March 20 and 21, after the ongoing drought, recent bushfire crisis and water restrictions conspired to derail the organising committee's best-laid plans.
Instead, the coaches, players and support staff will focus on 2021, according to Aberdeen resident Bowen.
"It's disappointing but it's the right call," she said.
"Could you imagine the uproar if a horse or rider got injured?
"To be honest, we were sort of expecting it.
"So, we've cancelled the State of Origin altogether [for 2020]; there's too much on everyone's schedule to take it elsewhere.
"With the nationals fast approaching - at Ballarat from March 30 to April 5 - and the Sydney Royal Easter in April, it's a full calendar.
"There was no way we could fit it in anywhere else.
"We've informed our Queensland counterparts - and they certainly understand the decision, too.
"Even though they've had their horses in work, they've also been disrupted by the drought and bushfires.
"Not many people know this, but the cost of watering the showground was $20,000 in 2019; we're still paying it off."
The State of Origin series has been a drawcard at the Upper Hunter Show since 1999.
In that time, it's only failed to eventuate on two previous occasions - in 2002 due to wet weather and, again, in 2008, courtesy of the EI (equine influenza) outbreak.
NSW remains the powerhouse, winning 14 times to Queensland's six.
And, the squad was keen to secure its fifth consecutive series in 2020.
"It's extremely popular among the players - and those who are involved," Bowen said.
"It is a stepping stone [for the younger ones] to transition into the open category.
"We've had many reps from the Upper Hunter throughout its history, including Brad Wamsley, Campbell Rose, Joe Wamsley and Mitch Wamsley (from Bunnan), as well as neighbouring Isobel Robinson (Quirindi) and Sam Finlayson (Guyra) from last year.
"However, we'll now look forward to 2021."
