History - SHC GRAND NATIONAL

First established in Sydney in 1983, the Show Horse Council of Australasia Inc. has grown from just from one small group into a Council with 20 Affiliates spread though all States and now across the Tasman,  to New Zealand.

As a Volunteer organisation the SHC is dedicated to providing its members with a high standard of governance and opportunities in Competitions at local Shows up to State & National Events. Member numbers currently are in excess of 3,000.

 

The peak event "The Grand National Saddle Horse & Riding Championships" was first held in 1992,
The 2017 event was the 25 Anniversary, being held since 2004 at the Sydney Olympic venue, the magnificent Indoor arena at the  Sydney International Equestrian Centre; the extensive Trade area adding to the event.

 

With three International Judges officiating, over 500 of the best Show Horses and Riders qualify for this very special event and converge annually to contest the titles and the many thousands of great prize money and awards on offer.

 

This Show is very unique; all entrants work on the Ring and followed by an individual workout. Horses are stripped for assessment of conformation and movement, several being selected and ridden by the judge. In Australia it is rare to see our Judges ride in the judging process; this is very different in England where this is a big part of their judging  

The event is Live streamed, with coverage attracting over 55000 viewers there is considerable overseas interest among these viewers drawing lots of great feedback.

Childrens Day is first day of Competition, much emphasis and effort has seen real growth in the number of juniors in the Sport. Showing horses is by nature a true family commitment and lifestyle which carries on through the generations as well as attracting newcomers. All heights in Ponies, Galloways and Hacks along with the prestigious Rider Classes, continue through to the Grand National Finale on Saturday evening.

 

The 2017 event saw a Lucky Draw Prize for exhibitors of a Mel Waller donated “County Saddle” with the winner required to be in attendance at the Draw. The Grand Champion of each Horse and Riding Section judged, with the winners awarded the major title and Prize Money of up to $5,000. The SUTTONS HONDA HOMEBUSH PARADE OF CHAMPIONS followed. The lucky winner of the special award of a HONDA JAZZ car to commemorate the 25 Anniversary of the Event was The Fricker Family of S.A. drawn from those Champions and Reserves awarded in each Class parading and present at the Draw.

The Show Horse Council of Australasia Inc pays tribute to the dedicated exhibitors and the many generous Sponsors and volunteers who combined and have made this event the most special event on the Showing Calendar in Australia.