Australian Jumping riders seeking Olympic selection may take inspiration from the recent success of compatriot Edwina Tops-Alexander in the Global Champions Tour. Australia-based riders have one final opportunity to gain their qualifications on home soil this weekend in Sydney.

The 2011 Summer Classic at the prestigious Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Horsley Park, 8-11 December is the last chance for riders to gain their Olympic qualifications (known as the or Minimum Eligibly Standard or MES) in Australia ahead of the London Olympic Games. 

The MES is required for any rider intending to put themselves forward for selection for next year’s Games. This ensures there will be a very high standard for the CSI-W class (World Cup qualifying event) - the feature event of the show, which will take place on Sunday 11 December. Once again designed by the masterful Leopoldo Palacious of Venezuela, spectators and competitors can expect a world-class course in terms of size and technicality.

This event is the final Australian World Cup qualifier for the 2011 season.

Sydney-based Jamie Kermond currently has an unassailable lead on the Australian League World Cup point-score following an impressive season. This final event will formalise his 2011 Australian League title thus earning him the right to represent Australia at the 2011/12 FEI World Cup Jumping Final in 's-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands in April 2012.

Kermond plans to head to America in early 2012 with his horses to compete in Palm Beach Florida for three months then go to Europe to ride at the World Cup Final and the Olympic selection events.

“I plan to ride Valhalla in 's-Hertogenbosch and most likely Colthaga in the Olympic selection events,” explained Kermond.

Whilst the series winner is pre-determined the competition in the CSI-W this weekend will still be fierce, with a strong line up of riders with international experience vying for the win. Five-time Australian Senior Champion and World Cup Finalist Chris Chugg will compete against the youngest Australian winner of a World Cup qualifier, 18-year-old Tom McDermott as well as successful husband and wife combination Tim and Ingrid Clarke of Victoria.

The Summer Classic brings together around 230 jumping riders and 600 horses from around Australia. The competition includes classes for juniors, young riders and amateurs.

Equestrian is the only sport where there is an equal playing field, challenging men against women and youth against experience.

Jumping is one of the most exciting equestrian disciplines, requiring great partnerships between horse and rider in a contest of speed and finesse.

Equestrian Australia