State's top equestrian official calls for help to save sport

FORTY weekends of the year, Warwick horsewoman Christine Bradfield is somewhere in Australia, erecting jumps and building courses. But she can't do it forever.

JUMPING AT THE CHANCE: Warwick's Christine Bradfield is calling for more volunteers to help keep showjumping alive after she was named Equestrian Queensland's 2019 Official of the Year. Picture: Marian Faa

FORTY weekends of the year, Christine Bradfield is awake at 5am, somewhere in Australia, erecting jumps, measuring strides and walking courses.

As Queensland's leading course builder and judge, it's what she has to do to keep the sport of showjumping alive.

Mr Bradfield was recently named Equestrian Queensland's Official of the Year and it's hard to find anyone more dedicated, especially at a time when helpers are in steep decline.

"We need more course builders and judges because we really don't have enough,” Mrs Bradfield said.

It's a serious problem facing the sport and it means the bulk of the work falls on the shoulders of a dedicated few.

Some weekends, Mrs Bradfield travels as far away as Darwin and Charters Towers to help out with shows, inter-school championship and other equestrian events.

A day in her shoes starts at 5am and doesn't finish until late in the afternoon.

She is on her feet the whole time, building, fixing and modifying courses, picking up rails and giving feedback to competitors.

"It is so much work by the end of the day,” she said.

"People just go 'it is too hard, I can't do it any more' and no one steps up.”

But that wasn't always the case.

Decades ago, when Mrs Bradfield was a showjumper herself, everyone would stand on the sidelines and pitch in.

Warwick's Christine Bradfield with Silver, a beautiful grey gelding. Picture: Marian Faa

"These days people seem to be think they are a bit above that,” she said.

"That is one of the things that makes me sad. I'm not sure whether they pay the money so they feel entitled.

"It's just a different mindset.”

Paid $200 for an entire day's work, Mrs Bradfield doesn't do it for the money.

She does it because she is passionate and wants to give younger riders a good experience.

Having progressed herself from novice showjumper to a World Cup competitor, Mrs Bradfield knows a well- designed course makes all the difference when you're starting out.

"When my children started riding and I was the coach and the strapper, some of the courses left a lot to be desired,” she said.

"I had younger children that were not really confident and the courses being set for them were not nice and straightforward.

"That made it hard for them so I thought there was no use sitting back and whingeing about it.”

The same goes for judging.

Warwick's Christine Bradfield has been around horses her whole life. Picture: Marian Faa

For Mrs Bradfield, it's all about being approachable and giving riders the knowledge they need to succeed.

"It has got to be fun and safe and enjoyable for the riders,” Mrs Bradfield said.

But there are other things she loves.

"You do get to see a lot of the country and make some great friends,” she said.

This year, she's already done Toowoomba Jump Day, Allora Show and Pittsworth Show.

On the day she received her award, she was out at Stanthorpe Show designing a course and her daughter, Amy, had to accept the prize on her behalf.

"Christine is also a mentor for up-and-coming judges. She is always happy for them to ask her questions or sit with her while she judges,” an Equestrian Queensland spokesperson said.

"Congratulations Christine.”

Originally published as State's top equestrian official calls for help to save sport