BEING situated in an urban area can be a huge bonus for the sport of showjumping, as evidenced this weekend.

The Berwick Agricultural Show again attracted thousands of spectators, who filled the huge, well-shaded grandstand alongside the showjumping arena.

They cheered and clapped and were especially enthused to see the well-presented horse and rider combinations test out their style and skill over the technical, well-constructed jumping courses designed by David Sheppard, from Ballarat.

Sheppard challenged many riders to put on a great performance for the crowd in every class jump-off.

The show, held over two days, was well organised by a hard-working committee.

Gippsland junior rider Tiffany Joyce won the prestigious Akoonah Park Stars of the Future Junior Championship.

Tiffany jumped a fast, fault-free round to take the title, riding her lovely chestnut LH Brittany.

Tiffany's father, Wes Joyce, kept up his great form by being placed first and second in the Berwick Draft & Design 1.30m championship, riding Irish Ace and LH Warsaw.

He also won Sunday's Nab Fair Value Home Loans Grand Prix, riding LH Warsaw, and was named the Ern Barker leading jumping rider of the show.

Rob Trigg, from Upper Pakenham, won the Thoroughbred High Point Award for best-performed registered Thoroughbred, Kiewa, known as Touch of Heaven in his racing days.

The nine-year-old gelding, bred and trained by Ron Rees, from Bairnsdale, is sired by Touch of Genius, from Pride of Heaven.

The horse found his way to a riding school after his racing career. Rob, who bought him, said Kiewa had shown some spirit initially but now was "a very lazy, easy-going horse".

The award was sponsored by Racing Victoria.

Gippsland veterinarian Adam Johnston won the Nab D grade, riding Rodd & Gun.

Kyra Boulton, from Sale, won the Nab Gold C and D grade championship, riding Special K, and this pair was named the show's leading horse-rider combination.

Megan Joyce, from Berwick, won the Young Rider championship, riding West Side Rhythm, Sophie Tyler, from Pakenham, won the Skye Park D Grade, riding GP Destiny, and Russell Johnston, from Whittlesea, won the Safety Steel D grade, riding Buzz All.

Greg Stephens, from Shady Creek, won the Graeme Buchan C and D grade, riding SC Finn, and local Caroline Price won the Nab Protection B and C grade.