No hurdle too high for Toby

SADDLE up those horses, champion show jumper Toby McIntosh of Cabarita Beach Pony Club has just been selected to represent Australia at the FEI Children's International Jumping Category C Event in New Caledonia next month.

The championships will take place on October 24 and 25 and includes teams competing from all over the globe.

Jumpers will compete in both team and individual events and must be able to clear a height of over one metre. They will also be riding horses provided by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI).

McIntosh was chosen by National Jumping Selectors due to his impressive resume and is one of only four riders in category C selected to compete in the event.

After being introduced to horseriding at the tender age of two, McIntosh didn't become serious about jumping until a trip to the Ekka when he was eight.

Watching former Olympic equestrian, Ron Easey jumping sparked an interest from Toby who has continued to train with Easey for the last six years.

Since starting, McIntosh has competed in a number of titles to great success, the most recent being his win at the 2008 under 13 Qld State Pony Club Show Jumpling Titles. He also won the 2009 Junior Champion at Gympie.

McIntosh's father, Dale admits that a lot of hard work has gone into getting him where he is today.

“There are shows nearly every weekend all over the country up until mid-November. Fortunately my wife Karen takes him to most of the shows.”

However both parents will be proud supporters at the event.