The debate regarding improving the Australian Showjumping scene continues and we have received two interesting letters regarding this issue which we publish here for our readers - the more discussion continues the closer things will come to improving and that can only be a good thing......keep your letters coming!

The current situation has caught the interest of many and there are some who are actively working towards change for the better - Queensland are currently working hard to make some serious changes to their system and have a working committee looking into all suggestions but again the sad disease known as apathy has also reared its head there with very few of the riders being prepared to put their thoughts on paper. It must be hoped that when the changes come to Queensland, as I am sure they will, that those who choose not to be actively involved are not then going to throw up their hands and say "well this is no good" - to have that right they must involve themselves in the process of change......................

Dear Editor,

I have read with interest the letters from Vicki Roycroft and Russ Wither’s reply.

It is unfortunate that so many people are worried about affecting their chances of being selected for squads and teams ( whether at State or National level ) that they are not prepared to stand up and be counted.

I admire Vicki Roycroft (and Heath Ryan) as they are prepared to put out their opinions and stand up for their beliefs. It is a shame that a few more of us don’t do the same.

Apathy stifles equestrian development in Australia. With so many critics of our systems surely there would be more people prepared to stand for positions on the EFA at both state and national level.

Here in Victoria it is very rare that there is any need for an election to be held for the state branch committee.

Out of the whole of Aus only 10 people stood for election for the 7 positions on the National Board. ( Don’t shoot me if the figures are slightly wrong.)

The EFA system is extremely unwieldy. From being on the branch committee to being involved in the national discipline committees means you have to be a meeting junkie. The NDCs meet twice a year and composition of the groups may vary greatly from meeting to meeting.

It is easy to see how unsuitable people stay in positions of responsibility especially when most of us sit on our hands and refuse to take any initiative for change.

Caroline Coleby
Victoria, Australia

Editor's footnote: Caroline Coleby is a very well respected horsewoman and competitor predominantly in the Dressage discipline - she is also well known and respected as a producer of horses to the highest of standards and is a woman is not "afraid of hardwork" - Caroline has been an active and dedicated member of many committees throughout the years and we thank her for her comments above.

Hi guy's,

Just a quick note to say that I think all of us have realised that there needs to be a change in Australian Showjumping as it is on a steady downhill slide.

However we can all talk and say there needs to be a change; what are we going to do about it? I think the majority feel the same when I say that there has been enough arguing and discussion over what has happened, lets move on and fix it and fast. It has been far to long for what has happened, nothing will probably ever get resolved. We need to move on before shows, what sponsers we have left and junior riders loose faith in us as a country and in the sport itself.

Dion Nassibian - showjumper
NSW, Australia