Jumping kicks off 2012 Be the Influence Equestrian Grand Final

The 2012 Be the Influence Equestrian Grand Final starts at EQUITANA Melbourne this evening and its Australia's top Jumping combinations which will get competition underway.

View the startlist HERE

Under the magnificent Grand Pavilion at EQUITANA, Melbourne, Australia’s best World Cup horses and riders will battle it out for the top title and a slice of over $20,000 in prize money.  

This year’s Jumping Final has attracted a diverse field with the 16 strong start list comprising experienced horses and riders as well as young rising stars of the sport.

The Be the Influence Equestrian Grand Final spans three days with a different Olympic discipline contested each night. Event riders will compete in a special Exhibition Eventing class on Friday and Dressage riders will bring the event to a close on Saturday.

In her first full year competing at senior level, Evie Buller of Western Australia is the leading qualifier in the Jumping.  

“I’m a little bit nervous but I’m also very excited and my horse is feeling good so hopefully we’ll do well. This event as is quite a big deal.

“It makes me feel good knowing I’m going out to compete in front of a big crowd. The last time we performed in front of such a large audience was at the Brisbane Royal and Landor jumped super there and we went on to win the event so hopefully it will work to our advantage.”

“The best World Cup horses in the country at the moment are here so it’s going to be a tough class. Hopefully it will be great for everyone watching,” Evie said.   

Evie and her 8 year old gelding Yalambi’s Landor will be challenged by a tough field including Tim Clarke and his 10 year old mare Caltango, winners of the most recent World Cup round in Shepparton.

“I’m never confident, there are plenty of good horses and good riders in the event so we’ll need a bit of luck to go our way.

“She (Caltango) does love a crowd and an atmosphere so I think she’ll enjoy it.

“I’m really thankful that this event happens each year. It’s great to be able to showcase all the different equestrian disciplines to the wider horse community,” Tim said.

The 2012 Be the Influence Equestrian Grand Final is also the 10th round of the Australian League of World Cup Jumping Series. Competition commences at 7pm in the Grand Pavilion.