About the Show Horse Council of Australasia, Inc.
The N.S.W. Hack Exhibitors Association was established in 1983 in response to a need to cater for those specifically interested in the Showing of horses, its first Horse Of The Year Show being held at Penrith in 1984. To allow the formation and involvement of regional groups this Association then evolved into the Hack Council Of NSW Inc. before becoming registered as the Show Horse Council of Australasia Inc.
The Council as a Voluntary Association has progressed greatly over the years by providing better services and opportunities for its members; as example in 2009 24/7 Personal Accident Cover was introduced as a benefit of SHC Active Riding membership. Thanks go to the Delegates and helpers of the eleven affiliate clubs in N.S.W. and A.C.T. who have given and continue to give so generously of their time and service their areas by conducting local Shows and measuring, training days, judges workshops and social Events. New members are welcome and coming to meetings is a great way to learn what is happening in your Sport. With eight Interstate constituent affiliates operating. a more cohesive approach to Showing is now found throughout Australia while each State Affiliate still can maintain its individual focus.
The SHC NSW Horse Of The Year, held annually since 1983 has grown into a Three Day Event covering all levels of Competition – from Newcomers to Opens and Show Hunters. In 1992 the first Grand National Saddle Horse & Riding Championships were introduced to provide a higher level of Competition than was otherwise available on a National basis. Home of this Invitation Event since 2005 being the Indoor Arena, “Sydney International Equestrian Centre” Horsley Park. The horse and rider entries continue to make the long trek over vast distances to attend and compete in this Annual Event, two internationally accredited judges officiate.
The Grand National is now considered the benchmark of Shows to qualify for; A GN qualifying performance gained in a calendar year would be for invitation to the Grand National held the year following. Qualifying Shows held by Affiliates have become popular events due to the keen interest to gain the necessary performance; the Pacific Coast Hack Championships conducted by the SHC being one of these.
In October 2010 the Council achieved its long held goal in establishing an official SHC office which is located in Richmond, NSW; all NSH Registration requirements and SHC merchandise are now being processed through this office. As time goes by it is intended that other parts of SHC operations will be integrated into the Office, normal SHC contact remains via the SHC secretary.
The Council would like to express its sincere appreciation to our wonderful past and current Sponsors, without their support it would not have been possible to conduct the level of Competition & service that has been, and is being enjoyed today.
Images courtesy of SWD Images & Lorelle Mercer.