EVENT OF THE YEAR FINALIST

2021 VICTORIAN JUMPING TITLES

EVENT SPONSOR: EQUESTRIAN VICTORIA

ABOUT THE EVENT

The Victorian Showjumping State Titles was held at Werribee Park from 29 April to 2 May.

The inaugural event was highly anticipated by the jumping community on the whole after a turbulent 2020 competition year. Werribee Park looked a picture and determined to make this event a success, the Jumping community was out in force with hundreds of horses and riders, male and female, of all levels aged from 12 to 70.

Blessed with glorious weather, incredible horses and riders, and of course the new Martin Collins Australia arena and, for the first time, the use of the hallowed polo fields. The overwhelming feedback from riders was ‘Wow’! International level rider Jamie Kermond said, “These arenas are two of the best surfaces in the country.”

With the expertise of the small but super dedicated Jumping Committee, supported by countless, tireless volunteers, “a great event” was always going to be used to describe the Titles. The Jumping Victoria State Titles was full of ‘firsts’, with the Trade and VIP area right among the action, situated around the Martin Collins Arena providing viewing for traders and the chance for everyone to shop whilst not missing any of the action.

Entries reflected the event’s success, with 48 OTT horses fighting it out for the Racing Victoria OTT Championships. The cream of Australian Jumping didn’t disappoint, with some excellent performances across the main championship classes.

A fun social dinner and band was organised for the Saturday evening party, allowing for everyone involved to get together and relax.

This show has been a fantastic showcase for Showjumping in Victoria and a wonderful showcase for Equestrian Victoria. With the first time use of the polo fields in conjunction with the Martin Collins arena, the event was a challenge for the committee to pull together but the proof of the success was in the volumes of positive feedback from competitors, spectators, traders and sponsors.

It has provided a great platform for sponsors to get involved in the sport. The high level of competition will act to spur our Victorian riders on to greater achievements on the national and international scene and grow the sport in our state.