Olympian and World Champs representative James Paterson-Robinson, competing here aboard Equador MVNZ, is one of the showjumping star presenters at EQUITANA Melbourne next month.
© Stephen Mowbray Photography
World class showjumping heading to EQUITANA
Olympians, World Champs representatives and some of the best showjumpers in Australia are all headed to EQUITANA Melbourne in November, chasing the richest prize pot in the land.
EQUITANA showjumping coordinator Tim Dreverman says it will be quite the event. “If top-class showjumping is your thing then EQUITANA Melbourne is the place to be,” he says. “This is an event that brings the best horses and riders together across so many disciplines. The showjumping will be electric this year with the very best jumping horses, all the big-name riders and such generous prizemoney.”
The showjumping runs over two days, getting underway on Thursday morning with rounds in the outdoor arena, followed by the Off the Track Jumping Masterclass in the afternoon with star presenters Scott Keach and James Paterson-Robinson, then the Jumping Full Flight on Thursday evening featuring the stars of jumping along with entertainment from Hannah Pikkat and her mini Crunchtime, Dan Steers, and celebrated trainer Kim Dyer from Hartland Equestrian. The cash-rich $50,000-plus Grand Prix is on Friday in the outdoor grass arena which Tim says is perfect and bound to produce some of the most exciting top-flight competition jumping of the event.
Lining up for the event are the likes of Tom McDermott, Billy Raymont, Jamie Winning-Kermond, Clem Smith, Becky and Stu Jenkins, Amanda Madigan and more.
The Jumping Full Flight evening show includes plenty of edge-of-your-seat action and two thrilling classes to – the knock-out stakes and the brand new all-or-nothing gamble. “Both are exciting as they sound,” says Tim, “with the all or nothing gamble a chance for riders to make some serious coin… if they are brave enough!”
Star presenters Scott Keach and James Paterson-Robinson are no strangers to competing alongside the very best. US-based Scott has ridden for Australia at Olympic level in both eventing (1988) and showjumping (2016), and also at World Championship (2018) level.
James is looking forward to EQUITANA and sharing his passion while having a chance to be inspired by others. He is the only Australian to have won two World Horse Young Horse Championships, and has ridden at two Olympic Games (2012 and 2016) and two World Championships (2010 and 2014). “It’s been an incredible experience that I am continually grateful for,” says James.
He thrives on teaching the next generation of riders. “It is very rewarding,” says James, who with partner Sarah Duggan is about to have his first child. “Sarah and I enjoy adding value to the lives of our students – who range from juniors through to World Cup level – and seeing their growth. We are just as passionate about seeing others succeed as we are about our own horses and careers.”
The courses will be designed by David Sheppard, an FEI level 3 who is considered one of the best “in-tune” builders of the modern era. “From a rider’s perspective, he has the art of testing the horses while ensuring the best combination wins on the day,” says Tim.
EQUITANA Melbourne is back after a four-year hiatus and with an expected 40,000 people through the gates over the four days from November 10-13, it promises to be a cracker. From top competition to superb star presenters coming in from across the globe, to shopping, education, and three nights of thrilling entertainment, it is truly one of the gems of Melbourne and the equestrian calendar.
Tickets are selling fast, so head to www.equitana.com.au for more information and tickets.
Source: Event press release
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