22 Thank you to Wendy Hunt, the outgoing Chair on the Equestrian Australia Show Horse Committee (EASHC) for her contribution over the past 18 months and our gratitude also goes to the entire committee for their hard work during the past year. In 2018 we welcomed Tanya Reynolds (NT) and Kerry Wilson (WA) to the Committee and Mr Chris Lawrie (SA) who took on the Rider’s Rep role at the end of 2017. A special thank you to Mrs Valerie Mayger (WA) and Mrs Robin Bland (NSW) who both had completed their five-year term as National Committee members for their contribution to the EASHC and the sport of showing horses. Both Robin and Val have worked tirelessly in their respective states. The pinnacle event on the 2017 EA Show Horse calendar was the Australasian Show Horse and Rider Championships held in December. A wonderful event that showcases the best of our show horses, the 2017 event saw a total of seven judges officiate. The Junior Classes were held over the first day of competition with three judges officiating. Many of our Junior competitors strive to compete at this event and represent their state in the only team event available to show horse competitors. The following two days of competition consisted of the open show horse, show hunter and riding classes with the remaining four judges officiating. Team VIC won the prestigious team award for 2017. Congratulations to the Victorian Organising Committee that does such a professional job in presenting this amazing event. Thank you to the wonderful volunteers who turn up and give endless hours at all events. Each State has organised its own Horse of the Year, which is a qualifier for the Australasian Show Horse and Rider Championships. So far, general feedback on these events has been very positive. These events continue to grow each year and credit must be given to the States and their Organising Committees. Equestrian NSW introduced the Southern Cross Show Horse Spectacular which gave competitors a new event to compete at in the 2018 year. Two English and two Australian judges officiated over the three days of competition. The Winner of the Grand Champion Owner Rider won a trip to the UK where they were given the opportunity to ride and train at some of the best yards in the UK, visit the Royal International Horse Show along with other shows throughout the country. Throughout the year the Committee met to assess new rules and re wrote the judges contracts. The Committee encourages everyone to read the rules as these are updated in July and January of each year. The EASHC Member (State Delegates) contacts are on the EA website. We encourage Members to get in touch should they wish to discuss anything in relation to Show Horse. I am looking forward to my role over the next two years as Equestrian Australia Show Horse Committee Chair and hope to develop and grow the sport of show horse and am committed to the betterment of the sport through new initiatives and evolved policies and rules. Wendy Hunt Equestrian Australia Show Horse Committee Chair Equestrian Australia Show Horse Committee Wendy Hunt – Chair Kerry Patchett Darryl Hayes Mitchell Fox Chimene Deavin Kerry Wilson Tanya Reynolds Chris Lawrie – Riders Rep SHOW HORSE Show time