What are the rider age categories?

Ages run from the start of the calendar year in which you reach the age, to the end of the calendar year in which you reach the upper age.

• Children: from the year you turn 10 to the end of the year you turn 14. The first round height in Children's classes is a maximum of 1.05 m.
• Juniors (Equestrian Australia classes): from the year you turn 12 to the end of the year you turn 18. Juniors may enter open competitions of 1.20 m and above from the year they turn 12, and may compete in Junior and Senior competitions on the same horse at the same event in National and State jumping competitions and Agricultural Shows unless the schedule denies permission.
• Young Riders: from the year you turn 16 to the end of the year you turn 21. Young Rider classes must have a minimum course height of 1.30 m.
• Pony Riders: from the year you turn 12 to the end of the year you turn 16.
• Amateur riders: from the year you turn 21, with eligibility conditions (for example, an Amateur may not compete in an Amateur class if they ride in a class at that event where the first round is higher than 1.20 m).
• "Senior" titled competitions (for example Senior Championship or Senior Grand Prix): from the year you turn 18.
• Veterans: from the year you turn 45.

Source: Equestrian Australia National Jumping Rules, effective 1 January 2026, Art 205.3 and the EA Amateur Riders, Juniors, Children and Young Riders section.