Above: Jack Barker and Tulara Colchic at the 2024 Australian Jumping Championships

Each year, the team at Australian Jumping select two riders (one under 25 years (U25) and one Senior) who we feel have shone most brightly during the past 12 months of competition and deserve some special recognition. At the end of a big year for our sport, with our focus being on the Paris Olympic Games, it has been wonderful to also watch our competitive Young Riders in action and this year there has been one under 25 competitor that we feel has well and truly earned an extra accolade – Jack Barker.

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Jack wrapped up 2023 in style – taking out the Stal Tops Series for the year and setting himself up for a great 2024. Early in the year Jack represented Australia in the Trans-Tasman Young Rider Teams’ Challenge at the Larsen Sawmilling Equestrian Championships in Gisborne New Zealand and was once again selected for the Australian Team for the Trans-Tasman challenge at Waratah Showjumping later in the year.

At Sydney Royal, Jack claimed the prestigious title of ‘Best Rider in the Young Rider (Section D) category’ after winning two of the three preliminary rounds and placing second in the Grand Prix.

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Above: Jack Barker and Tulara Colchic at Sydney Royal.

Above: Jack Barker and Tulara for Quinar at Sydney Royal.

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The Australian Jumping Championships held at Willinga Park saw Jack take out the Australian Young Rider Championship with Tulara Colchic.  After carrying just a single penalty into the final they were the only combination that produced a pair of clear rounds to take the title.

The icing on the cake for the year was Jack taking out the Stal Tops Australian Young Rider 2024 Series. The fourth and final leg of the series was held at SIEC as part of the Jumping NSW Summer Showjumping Classic and in an exciting class which saw a five-way jump-off, the win sent Jack and Tulara Colchic to the head of the leaderboard and in doing so, they became not only the winners of the 2024 series, but the first combination to win the series more than once.

Congratulations Jack on a fantastic year – we are sure you have a fantastic future ahead in the sport and we look forward to following your journey.