By Joy Ringrose
2020 has been a year of rest and consolidation for the showjumping horses of the Sunshine Coast, and indeed, show jumpers throughout Australia, The calendar of agricultural shows in Queensland has been completely empty until recently.
Now that people are free to travel and congregate again, the showjumping fraternity have been demanding some competitions for their horses.
The Sunshine Coast Showjumping Club had to cancel this year’s February and July shows, but is now helping to answer the riders’ needs by organising a three day show at the Nambour showgrounds, to be held over the 27th, 28th, and 29th of November.
Although the focus will be on starting younger horses, and giving experience to younger riders, with many smaller height classes, there will also be some big classes for top class juniors, and World Cup riders.
The Junior Championship, to be held on Saturday night, has already attracted some outstanding aspiring young riders and their purpose-bred, athletic horses.
The last class of the show, to be held on Sunday afternoon, will be the Grand Prix, a class that will feature some of Australia’s best riders, one of which is Merrick Ubank, recently returned to Australia from a successful overseas campaign.
Local international competitor, Billy Raymont, will also be competing in this class. He will also be bringing a string of younger horses to this show, to gain experience in the smaller classes. Billy recently quarantined for 14 days, after being allowed to return home after an extended stay of competing and coaching in Victoria. He is now back in full swing of training horses, competing and giving lessons up here.
The three-day show kicks off at noon on Friday 27 November, and is free for spectators. Details about the different classes can be found on the SC SJ Club’s Facebook page.
For enquires about entries phone Sue Raymont on 54476589, or email Sue at psraymont@hotmail.com
