State show jumping champions crowned at Talunga Park
- Ty Manning
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
STRONG fields across all divisions highlighted the depth of local talent and growing interstate presence at this year’s Equestrian South Australia State Showjumping Championships at Talunga Park, Mount Pleasant.
The event drew entries from across South Australia, Victoria and the Northern Territory, with more than 130 combinations converging on the Adelaide Hills venue for four days of fiercely contested and quality jumping from April 23 to 26.
South Australia’s leading show jumping combinations were on display and despite heavy rainfall earlier in the month, the grounds were in excellent condition and held up well in ideal autumn weather.
The decision to relocate an earlier competition proved key, ensuring consistent footing throughout the championship.
Courses were once again built by David Sheppard, with riders praising the tracks for their balance of flow and technicality, rewarding accurate and forward riding.
Leading the honours list, Nicole Manuel claimed the senior state championship aboard Tulara Cascadel, producing consistent performances across the feature classes to secure the state’s premier title.
Other major titles were decided across the divisions, with Sophia Craddock also securing success in the under 25 event riding GH Emmaville Olga.
Speed and precision were on full display in the state speed championship, where Sarah Elsden and Amor Perseusonce again took top honours, successfully defending the title for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile, the amateur series title was awarded to Zoe Sloan aboard Tulara AX Ballerio, highlighting the strength and competitiveness of the amateur ranks.
The junior state championship went to Macy Watson and Finch Farm Lego, while Briony Temby enjoyed a standout event, winning the mini prix championship aboard Fieldbrook Havana. Temby’s consistency across the event was further recognised as she was awarded the Jane Bush Memorial Leading Lady Rider trophy.
The series classes provided strong competition across all levels, with several riders delivering consistent performances over multiple days. Among the standout performers, Ella Manning enjoyed a highly successful championship, claiming both the Diamond Series with Oaks Be Sweet and the Sapphire Series aboard Kerstcadeau. Manning and Oaks Be Sweet were also awarded the overall Best Performed Combination of the Championship, reflecting their consistency and performances across the event.
Other series winners included Lucinda Roberts (JB Little Gun) in the Pearl Series, Libby Halliday (Libadee Park Fourdee) in the Opal Series, Carly Roberts (Kapeta Langley) in the Jade Series and Maddison Wissell (Lightning Jasper) in the Topaz Series.
Across the program, many classes were decided by narrow margins, with jump-offs and cumulative performances playing a key role in determining final placings.
Beyond the competition, the event also provided opportunities for the show jumping community to connect. Sponsors and Jumping SA hosted a welcome BBQ, along with a three-course dinner, while a dedicated riders and sponsors retreat created opportunities for riders, organisers and supporters to come together in a relaxed setting, further strengthening the sense of community around the championship.
The championships mark the conclusion of the early part of the South Australian jumping season, with many riders now taking a break from competition over the winter months.
Attention will then turn to the late-season calendar, building toward the next major event, the Adelaide Royal Show, where many of the state’s leading combinations will again take centre stage.
CHAMPIONS GALLERY
(Click any image to expand, or hover for names)
All images TY MANNING
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