saw a huge prize fund of $10,000 provided by the fantastic sponsors who had a most enjoyable day in hot conditions on this first Sunday in February.

The show saw Sydney's top showjumpers and horses gather to jump and the crowds loved it all! The competitors had the extra fun of winning not just prize money but Guess Watches kindly donated by the Guess Australia's General Manager, Rob Barker.

David Hayes of Animal Care provided not just sponsorship money and products but also made the day more bearable by handing out fly spray to just about every competitor on the grounds for the day, giving much needed relief to the horses!

Berry First National, strong supporters of horse events in the Berry area, were naming sponsors of this great day of showjumping.

Speaking to the event organiser, Mr Simon Kale of Foxground Stables, he was delighted with the rider and spectator support for the show and also wanted to make special mention of the excellent jumping courses designed by South Australian Course Designer, John Wilsher who "was a tireless worker, without any dramas. John just got on with the job of building his tracks and made it easy for those tireless volunteers to help him make it all happen so quickly and seemingly effortlessly."

The following report comes to us from Simon Kale, with photos courtesy of Warwick Miller:

SUCCESSFUL SHOWJUMPING CHAMPIONSHIPS TO START THE YEAR WITH STYLE

Shoalhaven Showjumping Club Inc played host to over 130 equestrian riders and their accompanying 350 horses as the Inaugural Berry First National Showjumping Championships took place on Sunday 4 February.

Over 350 rounds of showjumping took place throughout the day from an impressive line up of riders including Olympians Vicki Roycroft and Jamie Coman, Australian representatives Chris Chugg and Colleen Brook, along with other local and interstate riders. Over $10,000 in cash and prizes was distributed throughout classes varying in heights from 60 cm to 1.3 metres, including each class winner being lucky enough to win a new watch, thanks to Guess watches.

The highlight of the day was the 'Snug Rug Saddlery 1.3m class' which made for spectacular viewing. There were over 25 riders vying to win. However, Amanda Madigan rode 'T.P Gifted' to first place, followed by Chris Chugg on Vivant, who was the winner of the World Cup Qualifier held at Dapto Show in January. Young rider Hilary Scott picked up 3rd place on 'Oakes Cool Bananas'.

Olympian Vicky Roycroft dominated the 'Saddleworld 1.2 metre class' as she collected both 1st and 2nd place from the field of 70, on 'Ricardo D' and 'Alohiza' respectively. Elite Eventing rider Chris Burton took out 3rd place in this class on 'Ari De Gwahir'.

Sam Lyle, an export of the region who is now based in Cessnock, came back to his home turf to show the talent this area produces. He beat nearly 100 other combinations to win the 'Splitrock water 1.15 metre' on 'Classic Mischief'. Young rider Greer Butcher picked up 2nd, while Amanda Madigan added another success to her win by taking 3rd.

Elizabeth Koob, from Wilberforce, won the Huckleberry Home 85cm class. She nearly added two wins to her day but had to settle for a second when she was beaten by twelve-year-old Sarah Curtis riding 'Sky High' in The Emporium Food Company 75cm class.

Shoalhaven Showjumping Club Inc members had a successful day with three of them winning three of the eight classes and others collecting a number of places throughout the day. Junior rider Sophie Miller, won the 'Horsepower 1.05m class' riding the talented 'Gilmore Rockafella'. Another junior member, Taylor Hooten won the 'Star Park International 60 cm class'. While member Carly Le Mesurier won the 'Matt Sperring Personal Training 95cm class' on 'Penrose Sundance'.

"This was a great way to start off the club's year, especially with the success of our members. We hold training days every fortnight or so which allows local riders to come and practice their showjumping skills under the eye of a qualified instructor. We welcome new members to come along and join our growing club," said Mr Simon Kale, Event Organiser.

"We would like to thank all the sponsors of the day without which it could not have been such a success. Sponsors were extremely generous with all riders kept well hydrated with free water from Splitrock (Natural Spring Water), winners received Guess Watches and placegetters received cash and equestrian product from Animal Care Supplies, Equestworld and Saddleworld. We are looking forward to next years Event," said Mr Kale.

Here come the Judge - all pretty in pink! - pictured left - Joyce Brooks, mother of International showjumper Colleen, is still heavily involved in showjumping.

Pictured below with TP Gifted - Amanda Madigan, stable jockey and competition rider for Chris Chugg had a good show with plenty of booty to take home -

Pictured left - Chris Burton and Unrepentant show their style over the brick wall.

Rumour has it that next years Shoalhaven Show will see upgraded jumping gear which will add to an already excellent show which boasts fabulous jumping surfaces which are carefully cared for.

Vicki Roycroft - pictured left - and Chris Chugg - pictured left on the young stallion Conquistador - are always fierce competitors.

Vicki is currently on the National Elite Squad with her big chestnut horse Infatuation, while Chris is noticeable by his absence on either the National Elite or Development Squads.