Trans-Tasman jumping series confirmed for Australia

Winning senior Australian team 
2012 Trans-Tasman Jumping competition at New Zealand Horse of the Year Show 
Photograph:Linda Beneke

Over three weeks in September, Australia and New Zealand will go head to head in a senior and young rider Trans-Tasman jumping series offering the best riders from both nations with an opportunity to compete in a team’s style event.

The Australian Show Jumping Championships (19-22 September) and Royal Melbourne Show (26-29 September) will each host a round of the series.

EA is currently inviting expressions of interest from Australian riders who wish to be considered for the senior or young rider test teams.

“We are delighted that Equestrian New Zealand has accepted EA’s invitation to compete in this jumping series in September,” said Equestrian Australia CEO Grant Baldock.

 “It is not often that equestrian athletes get a chance to compete as part of a team and this series will provide our top senior and young jumping riders with a rare chance to experience how team competitions unfold.”

“The events will be a great addition to each of the two local events and I am sure that spectators will be excited by the added drawcard of an Australia versus New Zealand duel.

“Events such as this are pivotal to building competitive teams for major international teams competitions such as the World Equestrian Games and this series will benefit both nations in the lead-up to WEG 2014,” Mr Baldock said.

Another advantage to riders campaigning for a start at next year’s World Equestrian Games is the recent announcement that course designer for the Games,Frederic Cottier, has been secured as course designer for the Australian Show Jumping Championships.

“Our local riders will benefit enormously from competing on a course designed by the course designer for the 2014 World Equestrian Games and will give them a great opportunity to test their skills,” Mr Baldock said.

The Australian senior and young rider teams which take on New Zealand in the series will be comprised of four members and a reserve and will be supported by a Chef d-Equipe.

Teams for each event will not necessarily be comprised of the same members as riders may elect to compete in one or both of the rounds.

Although a series, results from each round will not accumulate and the winner of the series will be the team which wins the round contested at the Australian Show Jumping Championships.