Dateline: Sydney, New South Wales from Christine Johnson

Sydney Showjumping Club has led the way for a return to horse events in the Purple Zone, by holding a very successful showjumping day on Sunday 6th January 2008 at their Clarendon grounds.

It has been four months since the Equine Influenza caused all horse properties to be locked down. The subsequent infection of thousands of horses changed the equestrian landscape in a way this country has never seen before.

SSJC Club President Paul Tridgell said, "This has been an important milestone for the horse industry. Despite tight restrictions and pre entry requirements to comply with DPI regulations, we have had nearly 150 horses competing here today. Although this event was for Purple Zone horses only, we have seen some quality horses and great jumping".

Olympic representatives, George Sana, Vicki Roycroft, Jamie Coman and Stuart Tinney all produced their top horses, with Beijing hopeful Chris Chugg of Glossodia also bringing along a large team of horses.

Amongst the spectators enjoying the showjumping were Edwina Alexander and partner Jan Tops from the Netherlands. Originally from Glossodia, Edwina rose to stardom at the last World Showjumping Championships in Aachen, by finishing fourth in the Individual Titles and becoming the highest ever placed Australian!

Course builder David Lawrence produced good courses in four rings with all riders praising the excellent jumping surface. David explained, "After four months with no jumping and the recent good rainfall, the grass has grown phenomenally! This is possibly the best footing the horses have jumped on here!"

In conjunction with the day the DPI conducted an EI surveillance testing and micro-chipping clinic where over 60 horses were tested for immunity to EI and micro chipped - pictured below left.

Andrew Barrett - pictured left, happy to be jumping again.

And - pictured above - the smiles on the girls faces tells the story - happy to be jumping at a show again after such a long confinement!

In fact the place was obviously filled with smiles - pictured below - Nikki Ryan and her gorgeous grey.
Australia doesn't have a huge number of professional showjumpers, as in those who make their living from competition horses but it would seem that most of them live in the Sydney area - pictured above - three of the big names, Vicki Roycroft, Chris Chugg and George Sanna.
Professional rider, Amanda Madigan - pictured left and Sue Coman - pictured above were another pair happy to be out and competing.
David Lawrence as Chairman of the NSW EFA said, "Entrants must very shortly carry documentation to prove [a] vaccination & booster [yellow copy] or [b] Serology confirmation of infection/microchip and resolution. If competitors have not pre entered and cannot provide
proof of status, they will NOT BE PERMITTED ENTRY TO GROUNDS".

Despite the heat and the many extra requirements to enter and comply with the DPI regulations, the overwhelming consensus from riders was one of relief to be jumping again!

The SSJC committee have been commended by the DPI for their responsible organisation of today's event and everyone is looking forward to an EI free future and more great jumping at Clarendon!

Photographs supplied by Christine Johnson
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