4 minute read

JUMP OFF

Next Article
STARS BY EPONA

STARS BY EPONA

FEATURE

Jump Off Series 2 is on its way

Showmakers Equestrian, the creators and producers of equestrian reality TV series Jump Off, are about to expand their offering with Jump Off Series 2.

In case you missed the first series (and if you did, where were you?), Jump Off is the high stakes show jumping competition that offers TV viewers the often nail-biting excitement of watching well-known horse racing celebrities and Olympic riders take on pony clubbers, adult riders and interschool competitors.

Now in production, Series 2 features a new and more inclusive format that will give more than 150 horses a chance to compete for a total prize pool of $100,000.

The first and only television series to combine horse racing and show jumping, Jump Off keeps equine welfare at its heart and showcases retired racehorses as the show’s stars. The highly anticipated second series also introduces an exciting new twist: the competition is now open to Off the Track Thoroughbreds from around the country.

Jump Off is produced by Showmakers Equestrian, the brainchild of Steve Dundon, a passionate showjumper who also has nearly 30 years’ experience in the television industry. Steve recognised that show jumping enjoyed a strong

Left: Jump Off Series1 featured some of Australia’s biggest equestrian names (LtoR) Russell Johnstone, Peter McMahon,Vicki Roycroft, Jamie Kermond, David Cameron Below: Russell Johnstone will be returning for Series 2

A

A: The Jump Off Series 1 Final was held at Boneo Park, Victoria B: Hamish McLachlan will return to host Series 2 C: Team Kermond/Payne’s Rasposo was the 2018 Jump Off champion

B C

following in Australia but lacked mainstream exposure - so he decided to do something about it! The result is Showmakers Equestrian Media Company, which Steve specifically developed to produce quality equestrian content.

Through the medium of commercial television, shows like Jump Off have the opportunity to not only broadcast equestrian sports, but to also promote an equine welfare message to a wide audience. Jump Off Series 2 will launch on September 28th on the Seven Network and will again be hosted by Hamish McLachlan, another accomplished rider. Hamish said the new format is an exciting innovation for the Australian equestrian and racing communities.

“With equine welfare now a top priority for the Australian racing industry, Jump Off is an entertaining and engaging way to demonstrate that there can be a meaningful life after racing for Thoroughbreds,” says Hamish. For the new series, riders, trainers and owners from all over Australia were given the option of three new show jumping classes: Just Raced (105cm) retired within 2 years; Have Jumped A (105cm – 115cm) 30 EA points or less; and Have Jumped B (115cm – 130cm) Open.

The competition will be staged in New South Wales (SIEC October 2nd), Victoria (Shepparton October 12th) and Queensland (Nambour October 19th).

D

E

D: Working hard at the tech desk to create quality content for a national audience. E: Massive crowds turned up for to the Series 1 Jump Off final.

with Olympian Russell Johnstone, took part in the first series of Jump Off has applauded the new format: “Jump Off is a fantastic initiative for equestrian and racing participants as well as fans. We really enjoyed being part of the first series with all our horses, especially one of our stable favourites Extra Zero.”

“It’s great that more people and horses will now be able to get involved and be part of the action. Hopefully, there will be a few horses from our stables competing,” says David. Champion Australian show jumping rider Jamie Kermond, who won the first series of Jump Off, is also hoping to be involved again: “It was awesome to win the first Jump Off title and to be teamed up with Patrick and Michelle Payne. My horse, Raposo, was no superstar on the race track but he is now very happily out and about competing in a new life after racing. And who knows? He may be back as defending champion!”

Jump Off Series 2 is comprised of seven half-hour episodes, with a one hour final special to be filmed at Boneo Park Equestrian Centre in Victoria.

Showmakers Equestrian has also partnered with the Australian Jumping Teams League (AJTL) to produce an elite show jumping series called All Clear, which will document a new AJTL competition in which Australia’s top 40 show jumping riders and horses will compete for $500,000, the biggest ever jumping prize pool. All Clear: AJTL will be televised later this year on the Seven Network - catch the next issue of HorseVibes for more details!

This article is from: