The first truly international competition for the discipline of Show Horse has been established, following discussions between Kerry Tempest, EFA Show Horse Chairman, Davina Whiteman, Ponies UK Chairman, and Angie Meredith of South African Show Horse,

On 17 August 2005, Ponies UK will host the inaugural “International Showman of the Year” Competition at the Ponies UK Summer Championships – one of the largest shows in the world. Teams of young riders (14-18) will compete from the UK, Australia and South Africa. The competition will be held in a different country every year with New Zealand, Canada, Dubai and USA also showing interest in joining. 

The International Showman Competition acknowledges the skills and achievements of the show rider over a four-phase competition on pool horses comprising:

- Basic Dressage Test

- Jumping Test

- Individual Ridden Display

- In-Hand Presentation

This competition promotes the development of all-round versatile riders and well-educated horses and provides a development pathway for young riders into other EFA disciplines.

This year’s very first Australian Team was selected from the winners and runners-up from the 2004 National Show Horse Championships and other eligible competitors were also considered depending on their age and ability to compete in a jumping competition.

The Australian Team consists of:

- Jessica Stalling (NSW)

- Jennifer McKay (VIC)

- Simmonette Thompson (SA)

- Laura Thomas (VIC)

Chef d’Equipe is EFA NCAS Level One Non-Jumping coach Judi Kopanica (NSW). EFA Show Horse Chairman and competition founder Kerry Tempest (WA) will also attend and has been designated “Chef de Mission” by the organisers.

The Australian Riders are receiving expert advice before they leave from Mr Robert Cockram and will have the opportunity to visit a Working Hunter yard in England before the competition begins. They will also participate as the Ride Judge of the Show Hunter classes.

The EFA has provided an ICDF grant to assist the Team with airfares to London. The team also receives Australian uniforms and additional travel insurance.

The EFA believes this is an excellent youth development initiative and plans to run this new competition here in Australia as a series of qualifiers throughout the country, culminating in State and National Finals. The National Final will determine future International representative teams.

Visit www.poniesuk.org/summernews.htm for information on this year’s International Final.

Watch the EFA web site in the coming weeks for news about the first Australian qualifiers.