Taroom to Host State Showjumping Championships
It’s shaping up to be a massive year for the Taroom Show Society– so far the committee has enjoyed wins at the inaugural Queensland Shows Awards, the show society is preparing to host the South West Queensland subchamber regional finals in June, and it’s been confirmed that Taroom will also host the Queensland Showjumping Championships.
The showjumping championships will run in conjunction with the Taroom Show on May 2 and 3. President Shane Williams said the committee is very excited to host such a prestigious event.
“We pride ourselves on delivering top rate competition and excellent facilities every year for our showjumpers,” Mr Williams said.
“The Taroom Showgrounds are often described as one of the best jumping surfaces in the state. The committee spends countless hours watering the ring to ensure the surface is right, and this year will be no different.”
Last year the showjumping section at the Taroom Show received 58 nominations in one class alone, and it attracted competitors from three states including several form Victoria.
“We are fortunate to receive great support from our sponsors and competitors who come each and every year, and their support has helped us in securing the showjumping championships,” Mr Williams said.
“We’re proud to have the likes of Gavin Chester, who has ridden for Australia before, attend our show. This year he will bring his team of riders and 15 horses from various locations throughout New South Wales and Victoria.
“Then there’s David Finch, who has been named the Equestrian Queensland Coach of the Year five times and the 2007 Equestrian Australian Coach of the Year. Also competing at our show annually is Clem Smith, an accredited Australian level one coach. In February this year, Clem placed second in the Equine International Air Freight Grand Prix at the Riding With The Stars event in New Zealand.”
Adding to the list of high profile people involved with showjumping at the Taroom Show is course builder Graeme Watts.
“Graeme has been building the showjumping course at Taroom for many years now. This year straight after our show, Graeme will fly out to Lynz in Austria to set up the courses for the Rio de Janeiro Olympic selection trials,” Mr Williams said.
The Taroom Show is also one of 10 events, amongst a Grand Prix and several word cups, where showjumpers can earn points in the Aitken’s Saddlery Future Star award. The Aitken’s series aims to promote consistent performances in up and coming futurity level horses.
Story- ANDREA SCHULZ courtesy of Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Shows
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