Palmerston and Waihemo A&P Association equestrian convener Fiona Skevington said the association had held the two-day annual spring event in September for the past eight years.
It was primarily a place for more novice or entry-level riders to gain show experience.
Also, the setting was "not overcrowded", allowing horses to get used to the conditions of a competitive environment before riders upped their commitment.
"It is to get out and experience at an entry level before they start to spend the big dollars. It just helps", Mrs Skevington said.
The two-day show, which included straight equestrian, jumping and dressage, attracted competitors from as far afield as Otautau to the south and Rakaia to the north.
The spring show was also a fundraiser for the annual Palmerston and Waihemo A&P Show in February.
"We run this to give a little bit of capital to move on for the main show."
Next year’s show on February 1 would be the association’s 160th and was expected to be much bigger than normal, Mrs Skevington said.
This was partly due to the show being chosen to host the third Southern Districts Premier Show, she said.
Inaugurated and hosted by Gore in 2023 for the first time, and Southland this year, the event would give the 160th Palmerston show a special gloss, Mrs Skevington said.
