Location: Gerangamete, VIC
YOB: 2008
Horse’s Name: Danyiera Park Rocket
Height: 14.3
Colour: Paint
Breed: Brumby
Discipline: Eventing
What do you love most about your horse? My Brumby was a rescue foal from a private brumby cross cull from the NT. I have spent the last 18 months after purchasing Brumby training her to compete in a number of discipline's. Eventing is by far our favourite. Brumby has an amazing jump, knows when she needs to be on her best behaviour and always try's her best.
Funny habits, how does your horse make you smile? Brumby is an escapee. She can jump out of all paddocks. If she doesn't go under she will go over. She is a pro at undoing gate chains and ropes at the float. She is frequently on the 'greener' side!
Horse’s Name: Ashleigh Foxy Lady
Height: 16.2
Colour: Bay
Breed: Warmblood
Discipline: Showjumping
What do you love most about your horse? Foxy always aims to please. She likes to be in control at home but tries so hard at competitions. She reads my riding beautifully, is very cautious and this shows in her jumping success. As our connection gets stronger everything is coming together.
Funny habits, how does your horse make you smile? Foxy likes to be in charge, placid to ride but a boss in the paddock.
What do you love most about horses? I love the companionship horses provide. They depend on me and I'm rewarded by the way they compete, greet me in the morning for their breakfast and continue to grow, develop and learn as I do too. My horses read my nerves, energy, excitement, and absolute love we share. My horses come first and the love continues to develop every day. The connection we have developed continues to grow and as everything comes together I see our progress and success that time, energy, early mornings and a huge amount of commitment provides,
Do you have an idol in the Equine World? I don't have a specific idol but do spend many hours admiring the commitment, success and riding ability that professional riders present. The riders that give their horses the biggest pat after a round of show jumping and the smiles show the shared love of the industry.
Who is your biggest supporter? My parents. They support my passion, financially and emotionally. They get me to weekend competitions, organise lessons, pay the fees, buy the feed, rake the hay and understand why my dinner plate is often cold at the table.
Describe your favourite horse memory? At the age of 10 I competed at my first Horse Trials on my 11.3 pony Peggy. The smallest on the XC course but we came in under time and clear. This was the beginning of my love of competition and Horse Trials.
What are your ambitions or dreams with your current horses? My Brumby is young and continues to develop and respond as we continue to learn together. I plan to continue eventing and step up as she develops and grows. As Foxy continues to heal and her fitness increases I look forward to hopefully being part of the state show jumping team next year. As we step up the levels I hope to compete Nationally if my success allows.
Where do you see yourself riding in 5 years? In 5 years I will be finishing school. I hope to be working in a horse related industry doing what I love. Competing professionally if I'm able, continuing to support the industry, educating horses and helping others make the same connections..
Why do you want to be part of the Barastoc Junior Squad? My love and commitment to my horse's and the industry is investing in my future just as Barastoc does. My passion for my horses is identified in both my commitment and the continued growth and advancement in our learning and success at competitions.
How do you think being a member of the Barastoc Junior Squad will help your riding? Being a member of the Barastoc Junior Squad would be allow me to be apart of a greater horse family. My horses come first in my life and daily plans and routine's. I would love the opportunity to inspire others and have the support of such an inspiring team.
Which Barastoc Ambassador would you most like to meet? Russell Johnstone smile tells a story of his love, compassion and commitment to his horses and show jumping. He looks excited to ride just as I feel after my events.
Have you fed Barastoc to your horses in the past? If so, what products did you use? Barastoc Speedi- Beet we like for it's versatility, weight gain and general burst of energy. Both our horses are supplemented with Breed n Grow. Our young Brumby was malnourished as a rescue foal and continues to grow and develop and I like that this provides vitamins and minerals promoting good bone development.