Westbury showjumping legend is awarded a Life Membership

Geoff Richards’ contribution to Westbury Show is acknowledged with the presentation of a Life Membership by Westbury Show President Kevin Lattin.

Photo supplied

GEOFF RICHARDS is widely regarded as the best showjumping rider that Tasmania has produced.

He commenced his showjumping career at Westbury Show in the 1950s and went on to compete with great success on many different horses throughout Australia.

At a recent function to celebrate his 81st birthday at the Westbury Showgrounds, he made his last appearance on horseback when he rode his favourite mount, one of the many showjumping horses he has bred in recent years, to deliver his memoirs to the guests seated on the grandstand.

Geoff’s father Frank Richards was instrumental in introducing Olympic Showjumping to the Westbury Show in 1954.

Geoff would help his father transport the jumps and build the showjumping courses.

His ambition was to make Westbury Show the best for showjumping in the state, a goal that has well and truly been realised.

Geoff was very proactive in the 1980s, acquiring sponsors, securing television coverage and inviting mainland course designers and competitors to lift the profile of showjumping at Westbury Show.

As a competitor he won the Showjumping Championship at Westbury Show on numerous occasions.

He was a wonderful role model to young riders whose participation he encouraged with the Ansett Young Riders Award.