By JOY RINGROSE
THE Queensland State Showjumping Championships will be held this weekend at the Nambour Showgrounds.
The Sunshine Coast Show Jumping Club was asked by Equestrian Queensland to organise this event because of the quality of the series of successful shows that they have held there in the past four years.
This show begins the Queensland showjumping season.
These Sunshine Coast club’s shows have attracted showjumping riders of all ages and ability levels from all over Queensland, as well as from interstate and New Zealand.
Many of the riders in the club’s grands prix have gone on to compete in international competitions, including the Olympics and the World Equestrian Games.
The Queensland State Championship events to be held are: the Junior Championship (12 to 18 years) on Friday night at 7pm; the Young Rider’s Championship (15 to 21 years) on Saturday afternoon at 4pm; and the Open Grand Prix Championship to be held at noon on Sunday.
All of these events will be held on the showgrounds on a big open European-style course. Two other rings will operate to accommodate riders of all levels. Entry is free.
The credit for bringing this event to the Sunshine Coast must be given to Paul Raymont, whose dedication and talented course designing has ensured that the Sunshine Coast club’s shows are of the best quality, providing riders with the opportunity to lift themselves to a very high standard.
Many of the nation’s top World Cup riders will be competing in the thrilling Friday night Speed Class and in Sunday’s Grand Prix, including the winner of this year’s Sydney Show Grand Prix, Cooroy’s Billy Raymont.
Billy, with his mount Anton, was recently selected for the Olympic Showjumping Squad.
All stables and yards are fully booked by the over 300 riders entered for the show, but entries can still be made up to and on the show days by calling Sue Raymont on 5447 6589.
