WASJA SENIOR SHOWJUMPING SQUAD 2007
SQUAD MEMBERS
- Alison Rowlands
- Resident State Coach
- Chris Chugg
- Interstate Coach
- Bridget Kiely
- Wungong
- Ella Avery
- Mariginup
- Gavin Foster
- Joondalup
- Hannah Henry
- Wembley
- Holly Elmis
- Albany
- Julia Conti
- Mariginup
- Karen McInnes
- Herne Hill
- Rebecca Donovan
- Oldbury
- Melissa Cooper
- Forrestfield
- Pippa Page
- Banjup
The WASJA Senior Showjumping Squad
Western Australia has some outstanding senior showjumping riders with the potential to compete at the highest level. They are disadvantaged however because of geographical distance and expense in accessing Australia's most outstanding coaches with international experience both as competitors and coaches.
The WASJA Senior Showjumping Squad was initiated in March 2005 in order to address the needs of our largest population of showjumping riders and to fulfill five main purposes
- To promote the sport of showjumping in Western Australia.
- To provide opportunities for both our local and country riders to benefit from a series of Coaching Clinics run by our most recognized local and interstate coaches.
- To compliment the EFA Showjumping Squads by establishing a continuum of opportunity for riders to advance their riding and horsemanship skills across all age ranges and abilities.
- To develop a sense of comradeship and rider support within the group through a series of meetings and social and fundraising events organized throughout the year.
- To ensure that the Squad is totally self-funded with money raised through sponsorship, squad member's personal contributions and fund raising activities.
Expressions of interest to join the WASJA Squad were advertised both in the West Australian Newspaper and Connections, the criteria being that riders should be twenty one years and over, currently riding at a minimum D grade height, not members of the EFA Showjumping or Eventing Squads and willing to make a total commitment to supporting the Squad activities and the Shows run by the WASJA Committee.
There was a strong response from the riders and great satisfaction was expressed over the fact that there was now a continuum of opportunity for riders to advance their skills across all age ranges and abilities.
Squad activities have been intensive with a number of meetings being held to discuss programs, fund raising projects, rider performance and future directions.
The squad held three major three day Showjumping Clinics in 2005 with Laurie Lever (Victoria), Fiona John (NSW) and Chris Chugg (NSW). A further four were held in 2006 with Les Bunning (WA) and Chris Chugg (NSW). Opportunities were also made available for squad members to have lessons with Jamie Coman (NSW) who was Australia's National Coach.
For 2007 the Squad have appointed Alison Rowland (WA) as their Residential Coach and a series of coaching days have been planned throughout the year In addition Chris Chugg (NSW) will be running two, three day clinics, one in June and one in September.
All Showjumping Clinics organised by the WASJA Senior Showjumping Squad have been opened up to other competitors and many riders have taken up the opportunity to further advance their riding and horse mastery skills through participating in the Clinics offered.
The Squad has gone from strength to strength over the three years it has been operating and a supportive team spirit is very evident. Our Squad members are proving how competitive they can be and what high quality and consistent coaching can achieve.
The Squad is totally self-funded with money raised through sponsorship, squad member's personal contributions and fund raising activities. Commitment and morale is high and everyone is looking forward to a great season of showjumping and friendship in 2007.
For riders interested in becoming a member of the Squad some new positions may be advertised in the mid-year.
The WASJA Senior Showjumping Squad is particularly grateful to our three major sponsors who have assisted the Squad to gain the recognition and prestige that has seen our membership becoming highly sought after.
Squad sponsors
- Saddles Plus
- DVG Automotive
- National Roofing (WA) Property Ltd.
For riders interested in applying for the squad or who would like further information please contact:
