Sub Branch of Equestrian Australia

About Us

Show Horse is a discipline recognised and implemented by the Equestrian Australia.

 

Classes

It encompasses varying heights of horses and these are recognised by the appropriate classification of Small Pony, Large Pony, Galloway and Hack.

Small Pony is a pony not exceeding 12.2 hands in height and must be ridden by a rider 14 years or under. It is true that most of our junior riders received their Show Horse experience in this ring and then graduated to the bigger horses.

Large Pony is a pony over 12.2 and not exceeding 14 hh and has no age restriction on the rider.

Galloway is a horse over 14 hh and not exceeding 15 hh with the term Galloway being peculiar to Australia. Known as Cobs in the UK and Park Hacks in New Zealand they are a horse of middle height widely shown by children and adults alike.

Hacks are a horse over 15 hh and the sky is the limit with the upper height range! Mostly ridden by adults but a trend of late has seen young riders move onto hacks.

Each Horse section has height classes divided into 2 inch graduations and a points system is in place for placegetters down to third place. This points system is necessary for the Yearly Consistency Awards in each section and qualifications for the Horse of the Year Event.

Not only do Horse Shows offer height classes but weight classes are also available. This, of course, denotes the bone density of the horse and has nothing to do with the rider. Divided into Lightweight and Heavyweight, they are a popular class and widely supported. Tasmania has just introduced a points system for these classes as well as it is apparent that the winners and placegetters of these weight classes are sometimes overlooked in the height classes. The points awarded in the weight classes are less than those of the height classes and are used for entry to Horse of the Year only and do not have a bearing on Consistency Awards.

Children's' classes in each section have become very popular with the result that Royal Shows are now offering classes for children riding their respective mount. Most shows already offer these classes and it is a big step ahead in offering incentive to the junior riders.

Riding classes are also part of the Show Horse discipline. Being divided into age groups it sees the competitors competing against those of a similar age. Riding classes are also a National class with the best of Australia's' riders competing for a National win.

 

State & National Championships

Horse of the Year is held in January and is the highlight of the Show Horse calendar. Riding classes as well as Hunter and Newcomer classes are featured at this event as well as the Ponies, Galloways and Hacks. A new event known as Owner/Rider has been introduced and it is hoped that this class will eventually become a National Class.

The EA conduct the National Show Horse Titles in Werribee in December where all the relevant winners in each section from each state come together to compete for the revered title of National Horse of the Year. A very exciting event, it is every Show Horse riders ambition to represent their state at these titles.

 

Judging

The Show Horse discipline is more of a subjective and opinionated sport than other disciplines. Show horse relies on a quality show animal combined with good work and a good overall picture. As each judge has their own opinion in what they wish to see in a Show Horse different horses win from show to show. Being a Show Horse judge is an outlet available to competitors and other experienced persons that are keen to test their skills from the other side of the fence. To become a Show Horse Panel judge it is necessary to apply to the EA with relevant experience. After a period of two years probation the applicant can re-apply to the EA to be removed from probation and be placed on the EA Panel Judges List.

 

Over The Years...

To reflect back on some of Australia's most successful riders you will find that without exception these riders all started out in Show Horse when they were kids. Agricultural shows offered many and varied events and it was the norm for our riders to participate in the Show horse classes in the morning, Showjumping in the afternoon and then onto games events after all that! All this on the one horse too! Sadly this trend has long gone and everything has become more specialised in each discipline. Show Horse started off at an Agricultural show level and to this day continues at Ag shows and of course Royal Shows throughout the land. Known originally as 'Hacking', the discipline has had several name changes throughout the years and is now referred to as Show Horse.

The National Show Horse Committee meet several times a year to ensure the smooth running of this discipline and implement rules where required. Show Horse is a discipline that an entire family can become involved in and riders of all ages can enjoy the competitions and the friendships made as a result of competing. Too many people have the opinion that in order to compete in Show Horse one has to have a very expensive horse and an amount of expensive clothing and gear. This is certainly not the case as this discipline can offer all types of rider and horse combinations something from the sport. With the added attraction of Hunter classes Show Horse is set to make great inroads to take the discipline into the future. Prospective competitors should not be deterred and should actively participate in this sport and enjoy the variety the discipline has to offer.

 

Who To Contact

If you are interested in seeing what Show Horse has to offer you, come along to the next show, introduce yourself and see how you could become a part of this great discipline. Feel free to contact the EA Show Horse representative (go to the contacts page) who will assist you with any queries.

Be part of Show Horse as the EA takes it into the future.