Australian's have always been known as a most generous nation when tragedy hits other Australian's and now we are asking for the help of the showjumping and general equestrian community in Australia to help a family in need.

On Saturday, 18th December, 2004 the Melbourne showjumping fraternity were shocked to hear of the accident which occurred as the Taylor family made their way home after a very successful days showjumping at Treehaven Equestrian Club.

Jan and daughter Katy had their showjumping team were heading home when they were victims of a road accident which left Katy's young horse dead and two horses seriously injured.

Jan and Katy were badly shaken but unhurt but as we understand it their truck is a write-off - and all this because of a driver who ran them off the road, when overtaking dangerously. The car responsible for this accident did not bother to stop to see the result of his/her actions - it sounds, from reports, that it is lucky that Jan and Katy were not injured as well.

The unbelievable run of bad luck for this family also includes an accident, again caused by the reckless driving of another "idiot of the road" just 12 months ago in which Katy also lost a horse we understand.

Katy and her family are members of Berrys Creek Pony Club, Port Phillip Showjumping Club and Katy is a member of the EFA Showjumping Squad.

Members of the Port Phillip Showjumping Club approached us today at Treehaven Equestrian Club to ask our help in raising funds to "get the Taylor Family back on the road" and to show support to a family who are well liked and hard working members of the Pony Club and Showjumping Club.

The decision was made to organise a fund for the Taylors and any donations will be gratefully accepted to help them with the vet bills and transport etc. - this is a family who need to know that they have support within the showjumping community so any donation, no matter how small, will make a difference, so please take the time to write down some details and organise posting off your donation Monday morning - the money raised will be presented to the Taylor family at Lang Lang Show on 15th January, 2005.

To make a donation:

Cheques and postal orders made out to - PPSJC - Taylor Fund

Posted to : Brad Trewin, Treasurer
.................PPSJC
.................PO Box 98,
.................Upper Beaconsfield
.................Victoria Australia

Thanks to grand prix showjumper Fiona John and showjumping judge, Ron Lewis for immediately putting their hands in their pockets for the Taylors when they heard of their plight.