Created in 2019 as the brainchild of respected showjumper and unabashed thoroughbred fan Krissy Harris, the Thoroughbred Sport Horse Association goes from strength to strength in working towards the goal of improving demand for retired racehorses as competition horses.
Increasing demand for retired racehorses in varying equestrian pursuits ensures our thoroughbreds find better quality homes with skilled riders, so they can enjoy fruitful second careers as they move through life.
The racing portion of their life is frequently short taken in context with their overall lifespan which usually sees them live well into their 20’s, so initiatives such as TSHA classes are a vital piece in the puzzle of thoroughbred welfare.
The TSHA innovation has proven a runaway success with a growing number of classes covering an increasing range of disciplines conducted at shows right around Australia.
Despite 2020 being impacted quite severely in some states by the COVID pandemic, the TSHA still had classes at a total 24 shows – 13 in NSW, 5 in QLD and 6 in SA - with over 900 rounds jumped in the thoroughbred only classes.
“Even in 2020’s shortened time frame, the number of shows offering TSHA classes has more than doubled from 11 shows in 2019 to 24 shows in 2020 and the total number of licenced horses has grown from 429 to 709 licences,” said Krissy Harris.
The 2020 shows TSHA had a presence at were:
Tamworth Show, NSW
Mudgee Ag Show, NSW
Equestrian Gold Coast Club Winter showjumping festival. QLD
Northern Districts SJ Club Winter Showjumping Classic, SA
Gatton Spring into Jumping Championships, QLD
Stonewall Showjumping, NSW
Mallala SJ Club September Show, SA
Darling Downs Spring Show Jumping Championships, QLD
Dubbo Eventing and Show Jumping Association, NSW
Millicent R1 South East Spring Showjumping Series, SA
Mt Gambier R2 South East Spring Showjumping Series, SA
Stonewall Showjumping - Mangrove Mountain, NSW
Hawkesbury Spring Show (Hacking), NSW
Hunter Spring Showjumping Championships, NSW
Stonewall Showjumping - Mangrove Mountain, NSW
Moruya Riding Club Spring Show Jumping weekend, NSW
Mt Gambier Spring Show Jumping Classic, SA
Larapinta Showjumping Premiere, QLD
SA State Jumping Championships, SA
Toowoomba Jump Club November Carnival QLD
Mudgee Showjumping, NSW
Stonewall Showjumping Championships, NSW
Sydney Jumping Championships, NSW
JNSW Summer Show, NSW
The future belongs to those who plan for it and TSHA are already well advanced with mapping out the year ahead.
“We have a calendar under construction for 2021 that incorporates showjumping and hacking in rural, regional and city venues in NSW, SA, QLD, ACT, NT and are currently speaking with Racing Victoria who are interested to learn more about what we are doing and how we can work together,” said Harris.
The first TSHA shows in the New Year are on the Australia Day weekend – hacking at the Hawkesbury Summer Horse Show, NSW and showjumping at the Australia Day Showjumping Championships, Toowoomba, QLD.
“We are also excited to have set the date for the inaugural TSHA Australian Titles 2022 which will include Showjumping, Hacking, Arena Eventing and Dressage,” Harris revealed.
“The Titles dates have been selected around the NSW Autumn Carnival and in consultation with the ATC. The Titles will be held at Stonewall Equestrian, a world class facility only one hour north of the Sydney CBD.”
TSHA are looking for sponsorship on thoroughbred classes going forward at 2021 events, so interested studs, trainers, syndicators and race clubs can contact Krissy Harris, info@thoroughbredsporthorse.com.au or ph: 0459 168 782 to support this highly worthwhile venture.
