CHILDREN ON HORSES

In August 2006 Mike Florence, BSJA Junior and Young Rider Chef d’Equipe was invited to take a team of under 18 year olds to compete in Istanbul, Turkey. This was also the venue for the Children on Horses European Championship. Mike was very fortunate to be invited as a guest at these Championships, which is aimed at children 12 to 14 years of age.

The format for the children’s classes was 1.10m on the first day, 1.15m on the team day and a 1.20m Grand Prix on the final day. The show cost the organisers a massive investment of one million pounds and was absolutely spectacular in every way.

Children on horses jumping shows are prolific around Europe during the summer and this year (2007) the BSJA is planning to select a team for 2007 to return to Istanbul. Once again the horses will be able to fly there, completely free of charge, courtesy of the organisers.

The Association is to run a selection trial for this show in Istanbul at the Wales and West show in April 2007 in conjunction with the Young Riders and Junior trials.

In addition the Association is planning a small tour for Juniors and Young Riders whom are less experienced combinations to run alongside the trials.

For more information contact BSJA Young Rider and Junior Chef d’Equipe Mike Florence on 07918 661368, or the BSJA International Office on 02476 698807.

Riders who would like to be considered at the viewing trials must be competing on horses capable of competing over 1.20m courses. There is no horse grade restriction.