Main image: Josh Collins and Cornel won the 2022 Willinga Park Grand Prix. Image by Simon Scully/Australian Jumping.
Willinga Park is set to host an extraordinary four days of show jumping from September 12-15, 2024, at the third annual 4CYTE™ Jumping@Willinga. This premier event will showcase the very best show jumping talent in Australia. Set in the magnificent grounds of Willinga Park on the South Coast of NSW, with over 450 horses competing across nearly 40 classes, the event offers a range in the program that allows the professional riders in the sport to bring large teams of horses, including their young stars.
This year, Willinga Park will introduce two exciting highlight classes that will take place under the lights on Thursday and Saturday evenings. On Thursday September 12 at 6.00pm, Willinga Park will host the Trans-Tasman Test. Our Anzac compatriots will compete with Australia in a formal Nations Cup format, with Australia fielding two teams of four riders to New Zealand’s one, providing Australia with a slight home-town advantage.
First World Cup qualifier
For the first time Willinga Park will host a round of the Australian League of the FEI World Cup Jumping Series. The 4CYTE Willinga Park CSI1*-W will be held on Saturday 14 September at 6.00pm. The FEI World Cup Jumping Series comprises of 13 leagues across all continents, and with over 30 entries in the venue’s inaugural event at this level, it will make this event the largest field to be held in over two years in Australia. A testament to the quality of Willinga Park’s show jumping arena and its surface and the desire of our top show jumping athletes to compete at the venue. Competitors this year are from all over Australia, WA, SA, Victoria, QLD and of course NSW.
Nadine Young, Sales and Marketing Manager at Willinga Park, shares her enthusiasm: “We’re thrilled to bring both the Trans-Tasman Test and the World Cup Qualifier to Willinga Park. It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase top-tier talent in our stunning venue and elevate the experience for both competitors and spectators.”
Across the four days there will be a range of spectacular classes, including Children’s, Juniors, the Stal Tops Australian Young Riders Series, Amateur, Futurity and Mini Prix. The latter two Spectacular classes showcase the future of our sport by giving the younger horses and those nearly ready for the next leap into the big league a chance to shine on centre stage.
More than show jumping
The event’s social highlight, Friends@Willinga, takes place on Friday, September 13, with free entry from 3:00 pm. Attendees can savour offerings from popular food trucks and enjoy live music from local favourites, West Wind Music, from 6.30pm to 9.00pm. Nadine Young notes, ‘”Friends@Willinga is all about celebrating our community and creating memorable experiences. We’re looking forward to a fantastic evening filled with great food and music.”
Beyond the exciting show jumping program, Willinga Park offers a captivating experience with its Australian botanic garden and over 30 large-scale sculptures that seamlessly integrate art and nature.
“Willinga Park is not only about the competition. It’s a place where art and nature come together to offer an unparalleled experience,” adds Nadine Young. ‘We’re excited to welcome guests to enjoy the gardens and sculptures, adding another layer of enjoyment to the event.”
The 4CYTE™ Jumping@Willinga is more than just an equestrian event; it’s a celebration of architectural excellence, natural beauty, and a stunning range of sculptures and community.
The event will be livestreamed across all four days at willingapark.com.au, ensuring that equestrian enthusiasts locally and across the global can be part of the action. The event will also be available to watch on-demand afterwards via ClipMyHorse.TV.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Willinga Park website.
