Last year Jonathon was a team member for the Inter Country Team Challenge held last year in February in Dunedin and was riding for Victoria.  The course builder was Kevin Hansen, who is the event manager for the Horse of The Year Show and he ask if Jonathon would like to ride at the Horse of the Year Show for 2011.

During the show Jonathon will ride a borrowed horse in the 1.20m Championship and other height classes. 

Jonathon believes all showjumping horses should have a good basic dressage education before going near fences and he continues this training on the flat throughout their careers.  When he's not training and competing with his horses, Jonathon is busy working as a second year apprentice industrial electrician.

Jonathon jets off to New Zealand on Monday - Horsezone managed to catch up with him before he leaves to find out more about this aspiring champion...

Jonathon, it's a wonderful opportunity to be invited to ride at the HOY Show - when did you first become involved with horses and showjumping?

When I was two years old apparently!  There's even a photo of me on my little Shetland jumping at that age, so it seems showjumping was going to be in my future.  I then had a bit of a break from horses before I became seriously involved again when I was 10 years old and have been riding and competing ever since.

Starting at such a young age, your parents must have been encouraging - are they also involved with horses?

Yes I was lucky enough to be born into a successful family of competitive equestrian riders who have done well here and internationally.  My father, Chris, represented Australia in showjumping at the 1980 Olympic Games, as well as on many other occasions, including riding at Wembley and winning the big class there. My mum, Sue, is a well known dressage rider and competes in FEI Dressage and my Uncle, Greg - another showjumper, has been very successful in World Cups and Australian Championships.

What are your biggest achievements so far?

I represented Australia young rider team 2007 in India, was in the top 8 for 2009 Youth Olympics, represented Victoria in New Zealand Young Rider Team 2010 Australian championships, was on the Victorian Junior Team 2008 and was nominated 3 years running for the Victorian Young Ambassador of the year awards (and made the top 3 2010).  I had a good year in 2010 and so far in 2011 and was placed first in the following events: Young Rider Tekna National Qualifier Mt Gambier 2010, Young Rider Championship Sale world cup 2010, C Grade Australian Championships 2010, Young Rider Championship Mundulla 2011, Young Rider Championship Shipwreck Coast Showjumping Festival 2010, and Young Rider Championship Mt Gambier Junior/Young Rider Festival 2011, as well as placings in many other events.

You're obviously excited to be competing at the HOY Show - what are you looking forward to most?

I'm looking forward to riding some of the New Zealand horses and getting the opportunity to compete in front of such a  knowledgeable audience.  I'm also really looking forward to seeing the HOY Show and watching top showjumping.

What event do you really want to see?

Is there anyone in particular you want to watch compete?