National Young Rider Selection Series kicks off in SA

The first round of the National Young Rider Selection Series for 2016 has been decided. Hosted as part of the Thomas Foods International South Australian Show Jumping Championships, the 1.30 metre plus Championship round took place in the main Sambec arena.

As part of the Series riders must nominate one horse as their Championship horse however this didn't work out exactly as planned for Binni Greig (Vic) who won the event riding her second horse Angry Bird, meaning she is not able to collect points for the overall leaderboard. 

Fellow Victorian Jasmine Dennison, also from Victoria finished runner up in the event but took top points as she rode to second place on her nominated horse Bubble and Squeak and third place on her non-nominated horse Nicolossi.

Felicity Atkinson riding Romely Leonardo was the highest placed South Australian and her double clear round gave her a great start to the Series. Felicity acquired her horse as a yearling and has been working hard which has paid off as this combination went on to win the SA Senior Championship the same day.

The interstate competition was decided by the tightest of margins and the tightness of the result reflected the high quality of jumping on the day. Riders observed that the course builder had presented a track that was tough but fair and a good challenge for the quality field.

The series now heads to Queensland with two events in succession, the Qld State Championships followed by the Gympie Show. A strong competition can be expected as Brooke Langbecker goes into the event with great form after winning the Young Rider event at Elysian Fields over a track that will be ideal preparation for these events. It is hoped the Mackillop’s, Jessie O’Connell and Madeline Sinderberry who all jumped with great distinction in open company on the final weekend of Elysian Fields might head north in a bid to earn points for the leaderboard.

EA takes this opportunity to thank the families who are supporting the 2016 Young Rider Selection Series as a sponsor. There is plenty of room for others who would like to join as founding sponsors and the opportunity also exists to step in as a naming rights sponsor. Further sponsorship will secure the event into 2017 and allow an expansion of benefits to the National Young Rider Squad for Jumping.

Results and Leaderboard

Young Riders participating in the Series who would like to contribute content to the EA website can send an email to [email protected]