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Posted by Equestrian Tasmania on 12/11/2020.
Helen Sloane

Vale Geoff Richards

The Tasmanian Equestrian community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Geoff Richards.

This former Tassie rider is a Tasmanian icon.

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.

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.

Geoff Richards – was an active member of committees.  Served as president of both State committee in 1994 & 95 and President and Committee of Northern Show jumping Branch.  Integral in the establishment of the Futurity (now Future Stars) which started at Westbury in 1980.  During this time there was also a prestigious Junior Award sponsored by Ansett Airlines which Geoff was fundamental in establishing. Geoff was an instrumental part in establishing Westbury Show as a feature Jumping Show in Tasmania, which in turn attracted many mainland competitors.

 

 Geoff’s Career highlights include:

1969 Won the Melbourne Royal Grand Prix

1959 at the age of 19 represented Australia in New Zealand

Jumped 7”3 in a high jump in Cairns

Won the Gentleman’s turnout at Sydney Royal

Geoff Richards was definitely 'Mr. Showjumping' on the Apple Isle and on the mainland for so many years.  Our deepest sympathy to all of Geoff's family.

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