DONNYBROOK’S own equestrian star Sharon Jarvis is set to go international in her biggest competition to date — if she can find a sponsor by September.

Since Sharon left Donnybrook in April, she has competed in Sydney and Queensland, including her first open international event — the Sydney Concours de Dressage International three-star event.

Sharon was midfield in the international open dressage competition’s Prix St George class with a good result.

She was later awarded the Equestrian Australia Para Athlete of the year at the Powerhouse Museum in Darling Harbour.

“To be named the best in Australia was really exciting,” she said.

Sharon attended the National Para Equestrian Championships in Toowoomba, Quld, in June, riding her horse Applewood Odorado and her friend Krysten Lituri’s horse Centura Donnerquest.

She came first and second in all of her classes, taking out champion grade three with Applewood Odorado and reserve champion grade three with Centura Donnerquest.

Two weeks later in Sydney she achieved the same result at the final selection competition for the World Equestrian Games.

The national competition was also a selection event for the World Equestrian Games to be held in Lexington, Kentucky, in September and October.

Sharon was chosen as one of the four riders for the world team.

About 600,000 people will turn up to see people from around 60 countries compete at world class level in equestrian events.

“It was extremely exciting, but nerve-racking,” Sharon said.

“This is bigger than the Olympics or the Paralympics for the equestrian world.”

This is the first time the competition has been opened up to Para Equestrian riders, and Sharon said she was excited to be on the very first team to compete. “I’ll be up there with the best riders in the world and hoping to bring home a medal,” she said.

However, the competition comes at the huge cost of $65,000.

Equestrian Australia picks up most of that cost, but there is still a shortfall of approximately $20,000, Sharon said.

She is looking for sponsors to help her get her horse on the plane.

“There’s no way I want to miss the opportunity to be able to represent Australia,” she said.

“But I need to come up with $20,000 before September 13.”

Sharon will head back East next week to get ready for her next competition.

Anybody who is interested in sponsoring Sharon can call the Donnybrook-Bridgetown Mail on 9731 2310 and we will pass on your details.